Diversity distribution and ethnomedicinal relevance of Psoralea corylifolia L. in traditional health care in India

Psoraleas, distributed throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, represent more than one hundred species. In India, P. corylifolia L. is widely distributed from Rajasthan to Bengal and from Punjab to down south Indian states. In indigenous system of medicine, this plant is highly recommended against leprotic syndromes, apart from this medicinal siginficance, the herb is also useful in alleviating other disorders of the body systems. Besides, its antibiotic and insecticidal potential, it may serve a good drug source against AIDS. Biotechnological advances have also been briefly discussed.