Roghan Babchi is an oily preparation made with Babchi/ Bakuchi or Psoralea corylifolia. The seeds oil of Bakuchi plant is useful in leukoderma, vitiligo, leprosy, psoriasis and inflammatory diseases of the skin. Roghan means oil in Persian.
Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by progressive, idiopathic, white patches on the skin. The exact cause for this condition is not known but it may be due to immune system problems. Vitiligo happens because the cells (melanocytes) that give color to the skin get destroyed. It can begin at any age, but in about 50% of the patients, it starts before the age of 20. There is no specific cure for vitiligo, but there are many ways in which the symptoms can be controlled.
Babchi oil helps in vitiligo, hypopigmented lesions or leucoderma as its chief constituent psoralen is a photoactive furocoumarin that binds to DNA when exposed to UV light to form photoproducts with pyrimidine base. This action inhibits DNA synthesis and causes a decrease in cell proliferation and hence spread of leukoderma patches.
- Synonyms: Roghan-e-Babchi, Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn) Oil
- Type of medicine: Unani Medicine
- Purpose: Vitiligo, psoriasis, hypopigmented lesions
- Availability: Online and at medical stores
- Suitable for: Unisex
- Manufacturer: Hamdard Laboratories (India) established by Late Hakeem Abdul Hameed Sahib and Dehlvi
- Side-effects: Not Known
- Contraindications: None
About Unani-Tibb
Unani System of medicine evolved in Greece and was first introduced to India by the Arabs. It is also called as Greco-Arab medicine, Unani Tibb, Arabian medicine, or Islamic medicine. Hippocrates is known as the father of this system of medicine. The theoretical framework of Unani medicine is based on his teachings.
It is a traditional medicinal system and commonly practiced in South Asia. The origins of Unani medicines are found in the doctrines of the ancient Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen. It was later developed and refined through systematic experiment by the Arabs. Unani medicines are prepared from medicinal plants, minerals, animals products, etc. In Unani medicine, single drugs or their combinations in raw forms are preferred over compound formulations. The naturally occurring drugs used in this system are usually free from any side effects.
Ingredients of Roghan Babchi
Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) in Sesamum indicum Oil (Til Oil)
Psoralea corylifolia, commonly known as Babchi/Bavchi/Babechi, is used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Chinese medicine for treating skin diseases such as leukoderma, skin rashes, infections, and others.
Bakuchi contains bakuchinol (phenol), psoralen, isopsoralen, psorelidin, isopsoralidin, dehydroisopsoralidin, and corylifolen. The furanocoumarins, which contain psoralens, promote pigmentation when applied topically. It improves the color of the skin, hair, and nails.
Bakuchi increases the rate of synthesis and amount of melanin and encourages the skin to recover from a vitiliginous state. Ultraviolet rays (of early morning sunlight) exposure on the affected area of the skin promote the growth and proliferation of melanocyte.
Uses of Roghan Babchi
- Leucoderma
- Psoriasis
- Hypopigmentation or loss of the skin color
- Leprosy, skin diseases
How to use Roghan Babchi
- This oil is for external use only.
- Wash & dry affected area.
- Apply on the affected area.
- In the case of leucoderma after application expose to sunlight.
- The treatment is continued for one year.
Suggestions, Contraindications, Interactions, Side-effects, and Warnings
Regular use of Bakuchi powder and Bakuchi Oil for one year reduces the size of the patch, changes the color of patches from white to reddish.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Discontinue if hypersensitivity occurs.
- This oil is for external use only.
- It must not be taken internally.
Include Cow Milk and Ghee, Moong, Parwal, Rice, Spinach, Methi and easily digestive food items in the diet.
Avoid/do not eat, Jaggery, Sesame (Til), Curd, Raw Tomato, Raw Onion, Raw Garlic, Citrus Fruits such as Lemon, Oranges, Pickles, Chilies, Fish, Brinjal, Jackfruit, Heavy Diets, etc.
Avoid Tea, Coffee, Alcoholic Beverages and all condiments and highly flavored dishes.