Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance ›› 2025, Vol. 22 ›› Issue (9): 961-966.
DOI: 10.19803/j.1672-8629.20250038

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Reproductive Toxicity and Risk Control of Psoralea corylifolia Based on Systems Toxicology

ZHANG Wang1,2, WANG Ningning1, YANG Fang1, GAO Yue2, ZHOU Wei1,2,*   

  1. 1School of Pharmacy, Qinghai University, Xining Qinghai 810001, China;
    2Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
  • Received:2025-01-17 Published:2025-09-22

Abstract: Objective To explore the reproductive toxicity of Psoralea corylifolia and its risk prediction based on systems toxicology in order to provide a reference for its rational applications and risk management of reproductive toxicity. Methods The research on the reproductive toxicity of Psoralea corylifolia in literature was retrieved and summarized, and the risk prediction methods were discussed. Results Traditionally recorded as a “non-toxic” herb, Psoralea corylifolia can help warm the kidney and reinforce yang, and is clinically used for treating such syndromes as kidney yang deficiency and loss of essence consolidation. Along with its wide clinical use, frequent adverse reactions/events have drawn increasing attention to its potential toxicity. So far, studies have focused on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, which are easier to detect clinically, while research on reproductive toxicity remains limited, with only sporadic evidence suggesting potential risks. Moreover, current approaches to research around Chinese medicine toxicity are often hindered by such issues as the complexity of multicomponent systems, oversimplified linear analyses of effects, and difficulties in extrapolating conclusions to clinical practice, making difficult convincing interpretations of the toxicity of Psoralea corylifolia and related herbs. Conclusion Given these limitations, this study recommends new strategies for investigating the reproductive toxicity of Psoralea corylifolia based on systems toxicology, which are expected to offer insights into reproductive toxicity and provide a methodological reference for toxicity assessment and risk management of other widely used traditional Chinese medicines.

Key words: Psoralea corylifolia, Reproductive Toxicity, Systems Toxicology, Risk Management

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