Herb

Bu Gu Zhi (Yan)

Psoralea fruit | 补骨脂

Also known as:

Malaytea Scurfpea Fruit

Bu Gu Zhi (Yan)

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Properties

Yang-tonifying herbs (补阳药) · Warm

Traditionally supports*

Kidney Health Digestive Health Bone and Joint Health Urinary Health Skin Conditions

Parts Used

Fruit (果 guǒ / 果实 guǒ shí)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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About This Herb

Traditional Chinese Medicine background and properties

Herb Description

Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea fruit) is a warming herb primarily used to strengthen the Kidneys and support the body's Yang (warming) functions. It is commonly taken for lower back pain from cold, early-morning diarrhea, frequent urination, bed-wetting, and breathing difficulties related to weak Kidney function. Applied externally, it is also a traditional remedy for vitiligo and patchy hair loss.

Herb Category

Yang-tonifying herbs (补阳药)

Main Actions

  • Tonifies Kidney Yang
  • Secures Essence and Stops Enuresis
  • Warms the Middle Burner and Stops Diarrhea
  • Aids the Kidneys in Grasping Qi
  • Dispels Wind-Heat from the Skin

How These Actions Work

'Tonifies the Kidneys and strengthens Yang' is the primary action of Bu Gu Zhi. The Kidneys in TCM are considered the root of all Yang (warming) activity in the body. When Kidney Yang is depleted, a person may experience cold lower back and knees, low libido, impotence, fatigue, and a general sense of coldness. Bu Gu Zhi's warm nature and affinity for the Kidney channel make it particularly effective at stoking the 'fire' of the Kidney system. Classical texts describe it as a key herb for 'warming the water organ' (暖水脏), meaning it restores warmth to the Kidneys.

'Secures Essence and reduces urination' refers to the herb's ability to help the Kidneys 'hold things in.' When Kidney Qi is weak, there is insufficient control over the body's lower gates, leading to involuntary leaking of Essence (spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation) or urine (frequent urination, bed-wetting, incontinence). Bu Gu Zhi not only warms but also has a tightening, securing quality that helps restore this control.

'Warms the Spleen and stops diarrhea' relates to the TCM concept that the Kidneys provide warmth to the Spleen for its digestive function. When the Kidney's 'fire' is too weak to support the Spleen, chronic diarrhea can occur, especially the characteristic 'fifth-watch diarrhea' (wǔ gēng xiè xiè) that happens just before dawn. Bu Gu Zhi warms the Kidney fire so it can once again 'cook and transform' food for the Spleen.

'Aids Kidney reception of Qi and calms wheezing' addresses a specific TCM concept where the Kidneys are responsible for 'grasping' inhaled Qi and anchoring it downward. When the Kidneys are too weak to receive this Qi, it rebels upward, causing shortness of breath and wheezing, especially on exertion. Bu Gu Zhi strengthens the Kidneys' grasping function, helping to settle breathing.

'Dispels wind and reduces skin lesions' is an external application. Bu Gu Zhi has long been used topically for vitiligo (white skin patches) and alopecia areata (patchy hair loss). Its active compound psoralen acts as a photosensitizer that can stimulate melanin production when combined with sun exposure.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony that reveal what's out of balance in the body. Bu Gu Zhi is traditionally associated with these specific patterns.

The following describes this herb's classification within Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and is provided for educational purposes only.

Why Bu Gu Zhi addresses this pattern

Bu Gu Zhi is one of the most direct herbs for Kidney Yang Deficiency. Its warm, pungent nature enters the Kidney channel and restores the 'fire of the Gate of Vitality' (ming men zhi huo). This addresses the root cause of the pattern: insufficient warming and activating force from the Kidneys. Because it is both warming and securing, it tackles two consequences of Kidney Yang Deficiency simultaneously: it warms the lower back and strengthens reproductive function while also tightening the Kidneys' hold on Essence and urine. This makes it especially suited for Kidney Yang Deficiency that presents with both coldness and leaking.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Lower Back Pain

Cold and aching lower back and knees

Erectile Dysfunction

Impotence from Kidney Yang Deficiency

Premature Ejaculation

Spermatorrhea or premature ejaculation

Urinary Incontinence

Frequent urination, enuresis, or incontinence

Cold Extremities

Cold limbs and aversion to cold

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels Entered
Kidneys Spleen
Parts Used

Fruit (果 guǒ / 果实 guǒ shí)

This is partial information on the herb's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the herb's dedicated page

Product Details

Manufacturing, supplier, and product specifications

Product Type

Granules

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Botanical & Sourcing

Quality Indicators

Good quality Bu Gu Zhi fruits are kidney-shaped, plump, 3-5 mm long and 2-4 mm wide, with a firm, hard texture. The surface should be black-brown or dark brown with fine, clearly visible net-like wrinkled patterns (网状皱纹) and dense glandular dots. The top end is bluntly rounded with a small protrusion, and a fruit stalk scar on the concave side. When broken open, the thin fruit wall adheres tightly to the seed coat; the two cotyledons should be yellowish-white and oily. The aroma should be distinctly fragrant and characteristic. The taste is pungent and slightly bitter. Avoid fruits that appear grey, whitish, or show signs of mould, sulphur-fumigation (酸味), or loss of aromatic fragrance. The Henan variety (Huai Gu Zi) tends to be slightly larger than the Sichuan variety (Chuan Gu Zi).

Primary Growing Regions

Main production regions in China include Sichuan, Henan, and Anhui provinces. The herb produced in Sichuan is commercially known as "Chuan Gu Zi" (川故子), while that from Henan is called "Huai Gu Zi" (怀故子). Both are considered good quality regional varieties. Additional cultivation occurs in Yunnan, Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Guizhou. Outside China, the plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions including India, Sri Lanka, southern Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Harvesting Season

Autumn, when the fruits are fully mature. The fruit clusters are harvested, sun-dried, and the individual fruits are then rubbed free and cleaned of debris.

Supplier Information

Treasure of the East

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Miscellaneous Info

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Usage & Safety

How to use this herb and important safety information

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This herb is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

Recommended Dosage

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Instructions for safe storage and consumption

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Traditional Dosage Reference

Standard

6-9g

Maximum

Up to 15g in severe Kidney Yang deficiency conditions, under close practitioner supervision with liver function monitoring. Do not use for extended periods at high doses.

Notes

The standard decoction dose is 6-9g. Salt-processed Bu Gu Zhi (盐补骨脂) is the preferred clinical form, as salt processing enhances the herb's affinity for the Kidney channel. Lower doses (3-6g) are appropriate when used in combination formulas for mild conditions or in sensitive patients. Higher doses (9-15g) may be used for more severe Kidney Yang deficiency with prominent symptoms of cold pain or daybreak diarrhea. For external use in treating vitiligo or alopecia, a 20-30% tincture is applied topically. Given the documented risk of hepatotoxicity with cumulative dosing, prolonged courses of treatment should be avoided, and periodic liver function testing is advisable.

Processing Methods

Processing method

The clean, raw fruit is mixed with salt water (approximately 2.5% salt by weight), allowed to absorb the liquid until evenly moistened, then stir-fried over low heat until the seeds slightly puff up and become aromatic. Cooled and stored.

How it changes properties

Salt processing directs the herb more strongly into the Kidney channel (salt is associated with the Kidney in Five Element theory). It enhances Bu Gu Zhi's Kidney-tonifying and Essence-securing actions while slightly moderating its harsh, drying nature. The temperature remains Warm but the overall effect is more focused and less scatteringly pungent.

When to use this form

This is by far the most commonly used clinical form. Choose salt-processed Bu Gu Zhi whenever the treatment goal is Kidney tonification: for impotence, spermatorrhea, frequent urination, enuresis, lower back pain, or pre-dawn diarrhea. It is the standard form listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Toxicity Classification

Slightly toxic

Bu Gu Zhi contains furanocoumarins (psoralen, isopsoralen) and other compounds (bakuchiol, bavachin, psoralidin) that have documented hepatotoxic potential. Analysis of 84 adverse reaction reports (1978-2016) found that liver injury accounted for approximately 57% of all cases, manifesting primarily as hepatocellular damage and cholestasis. Risk factors for toxicity include overdosage, prolonged use, use of raw (unprocessed) products, and ethanol-based extracts (which are more hepatotoxic than water decoctions). Bakuchiol and psoralidin have been identified as key hepatotoxic components acting through mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Psoralen and isopsoralen may induce liver injury via CYP1A2 induction and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. Additionally, psoralen compounds are photosensitizing and can cause phototoxic dermatitis with UV exposure. Salt processing (the standard clinical form) can reduce but not eliminate hepatotoxicity. Liver function monitoring is advisable during treatment courses.

Contraindications

Avoid

Yin deficiency with vigorous Fire (阴虚火旺). Bu Gu Zhi is warm and yang-tonifying, which will worsen symptoms of internal Heat such as night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, and irritability in people with Yin deficiency.

Avoid

Constipation due to Blood dryness or intestinal Heat. The warming, drying nature of Bu Gu Zhi can aggravate dry stools and internal Heat in the intestines.

Avoid

Pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes. Modern research has identified hepatotoxicity as a significant risk with Bu Gu Zhi, particularly with prolonged use, overdosage, or use of raw (unprocessed) products. Liver function should be monitored during use.

Caution

Urinary tract infections or Heat-type dysuria. Bu Gu Zhi's warming properties are inappropriate for Heat conditions of the urinary system.

Caution

Internal Heat with thirst, red eyes, bitter taste in the mouth, or easy hunger with burning sensations. As the Ben Cao Jing Shu warns, these Heat signs contraindicate its use.

Caution

Use in male infertility treatment. Bu Gu Zhi has demonstrated weak estrogen-like activity in animal studies, which may be counterproductive for male reproductive health.

Caution

Prolonged or high-dose use without practitioner supervision. Accumulation of psoralen compounds over time increases the risk of hepatotoxicity and photosensitivity.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Use with caution during pregnancy. The De Pei Ben Cao explicitly lists pregnancy as a contraindication. Bu Gu Zhi has demonstrated estrogenic activity in animal studies (increasing vaginal cornification in ovariectomized rats), and animal experiments suggest high doses of the seed powder can temporarily impair female fertility. While the classical Ben Cao Jing Du argued the herb actually prevents miscarriage by tonifying the Spleen and Kidney, its warming properties and hormonal effects warrant caution. Pregnant women should avoid this herb unless specifically prescribed by an experienced practitioner for a clearly indicated pattern of Kidney Yang deficiency threatening miscarriage.

Breastfeeding

Caution is advised. Bu Gu Zhi contains furanocoumarins (psoralen, isopsoralen) and compounds with weak estrogenic activity. Whether these compounds transfer significantly into breast milk has not been established in human studies. Given the herb's documented hepatotoxic potential, its warming nature, and estrogen-like properties, nursing mothers should use this herb only under practitioner guidance and with consideration for the infant's wellbeing. It is not recommended for routine use during breastfeeding.

Pediatric Use

Bu Gu Zhi is used in paediatric practice primarily for bedwetting (enuresis) and Kidney deficiency-related conditions, but doses should be reduced proportionally to the child's age and body weight (typically one-third to one-half of adult dose for school-age children). Given the herb's hepatotoxic potential and warming properties, it should be used in children only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, for clearly indicated patterns, and for short courses. Liver function should be considered. Not recommended for infants or very young children.

Drug Interactions

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs: Psoralen and isopsoralen are furanocoumarin compounds structurally related to warfarin. Theoretical risk of pharmacokinetic interaction exists, as psoralen affects hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP1A2 and CYP2C9. Co-administration with warfarin, heparin, or other anticoagulants warrants caution and monitoring.

Hepatotoxic medications: Given Bu Gu Zhi's documented hepatotoxic potential, concurrent use with other hepatotoxic drugs (acetaminophen/paracetamol, statins, methotrexate, anti-tuberculosis medications, certain antifungals) may increase the risk of liver injury. Liver function monitoring is strongly recommended.

CYP1A2 substrates: Psoralen has been shown to activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and induce CYP1A2 expression. This may alter the metabolism of drugs cleared by CYP1A2 (e.g. theophylline, caffeine, clozapine, tizanidine), potentially affecting their blood levels.

Photosensitizing medications: Psoralen is a known photosensitizer used therapeutically in PUVA therapy. Concurrent use with other photosensitizing drugs (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, thiazides, amiodarone) may increase the risk of phototoxic skin reactions.

Dietary Advice

While taking Bu Gu Zhi, favour warm, cooked foods that support Spleen and Kidney Yang, such as congee, lightly cooked vegetables, ginger, and lamb or other warming proteins. Avoid cold, raw foods, excessive dairy, and icy drinks, as these may counteract the herb's warming therapeutic effects. Since Bu Gu Zhi contains photosensitizing compounds, minimise prolonged direct sun exposure during treatment to reduce the risk of phototoxic skin reactions. Avoid alcohol during treatment, as ethanol may increase the extraction and absorption of hepatotoxic components.

Cautions & Warnings

Although this formula is typically safe for most individuals, it may cause side effects in some people. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, postpartum women, and those with liver disease should use the formula with caution.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner before beginning treatment.