Psoralen and bergapten

Strong

Mechanism of Action

Furanocoumarins intercalate into DNA and, upon activation by UVA radiation (320–400 nm), form mono- and di-adducts with pyrimidine bases (primarily thymine), creating interstrand cross-links that inhibit DNA replication and transcription. This photochemical reaction underlies both the phototoxic dermatitis caused by skin contact and the therapeutic application in PUVA photochemotherapy for psoriasis and vitiligo.

Research Notes

RueWestern

The phototoxic mechanism of furanocoumarins is extensively characterized (Pathak et al., 1974). Psoralen-UVA (PUVA) therapy has been used clinically since the 1970s for psoriasis, vitiligo, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with well-established efficacy in multiple large RCTs. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies psoralen plus UVA as a Group 1 carcinogen with long-term therapeutic use. Case reports of phytophotodermatitis from rue are well documented in dermatology literature.

Found In 1 Herb

Rue

Western

3D Molecular Structure

Furanocoumarin

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Psoralen and bergapten

FuranocoumarinBioactive phytochemical with therapeutic properties

Representative pattern: C₇H₆O₃

Atoms

Carbon

Oxygen

Hydrogen

Related Compounds (Furanocoumarin)

Angelicin(1)Furanocoumarins(3)Furanocoumarins (bergapten, xanthotoxin)(1)Imperatorin(1)Marmelosin(1)

Live Research

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