Is psoralea likely to cause allergies?

Jul 10, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have had low immunity recently, and my friend suggested using Psoralea corylifolia (Buguzhi) to improve it. Can Psoralea corylifolia cause allergies?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Psoralea corylifolia is a traditional Chinese medicine that has the potential to cause allergic reactions. Although Psoralea corylifolia offers various benefits, such as enhancing immune function and promoting melanin synthesis, it also contains certain components that may act as allergens, leading to cutaneous allergic reactions in some individuals after use. These reactions may include skin redness, itching, urticaria, and peeling. The occurrence of such allergic reactions is closely related to individual constitution; therefore, it is recommended to perform a skin test before using Psoralea corylifolia to assess the likelihood of an allergic response. If allergic symptoms occur after using Psoralea corylifolia, administration of the drug should be discontinued immediately, and medical attention should be sought promptly. Under the guidance of a physician, appropriate treatment measures should be taken, such as administering antihistamines or corticosteroid creams to alleviate symptoms. Meanwhile, during treatment, changes in the skin should be closely monitored, and the treatment plan should be adjusted in a timely manner to prevent further worsening of the allergic symptoms.