Psoralea is a genus in the legume family (
Fabaceae) with 111 species of shrubs, trees, and herbs native to southern and eastern Africa, ranging from Kenya to South Africa.[1] In South Africa they are commonly referred to as fountainbush (English); fonteinbos, bloukeur, or penwortel (Afrikaans); and umHlonishwa (Zulu).[2]
Etymology
The name ‘Psoralea’ is derived from the Greek term ‘Psoraleos’, which means “affected with itch or with leprosy”.[3]Psoralen occurs naturally in the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, and is used in
PUVA (psoralen +
UVA) treatment, for several diseases including such as
psoriasis.
Psoralea is a genus in the legume family (
Fabaceae) with 111 species of shrubs, trees, and herbs native to southern and eastern Africa, ranging from Kenya to South Africa.[1] In South Africa they are commonly referred to as fountainbush (English); fonteinbos, bloukeur, or penwortel (Afrikaans); and umHlonishwa (Zulu).[2]
Etymology
The name ‘Psoralea’ is derived from the Greek term ‘Psoraleos’, which means “affected with itch or with leprosy”.[3]Psoralen occurs naturally in the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, and is used in
PUVA (psoralen +
UVA) treatment, for several diseases including such as
psoriasis.