Bergapten

Bergapten is a psoralen (also known as furocoumarins) that is found in several plants, including Parsnips, Celery, and Figs. It is a potent photosensitizer and has been used in the treatment of Psoriasis and Vitiligo.

Chemical Structure

Bergapten is a linear furanocoumarin and is structurally related to other furocoumarins such as Psoralen and Methoxsalen. It has a molecular formula of C₁₂H₈O₄ and a molecular weight of 216.19 g/mol.

Sources

Bergapten is found in a variety of plants, including the Apiaceae family (which includes parsnips and celery) and the Moraceae family (which includes figs). It is also found in the essential oils of Citrus fruits.

Medical Uses

Bergapten has been used in PUVA therapy, a type of ultraviolet light therapy for skin diseases. It is applied topically or taken orally, and then the skin is exposed to UVA light. This causes the bergapten to become activated and bind to the DNA of skin cells, slowing their growth.

Safety

Exposure to bergapten can cause Phytophotodermatitis, a skin reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with certain plants and is then exposed to sunlight. Symptoms can include redness, itching, and blisters.

See Also

• Psoralen
• Methoxsalen
• PUVA therapy
• Phytophotodermatitis

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Bergapten

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