Amifurin

Amifurin is a photosensitizing pharmaceutical preparation derived from the seeds of the Large Bullwort (*Ammi majus*). It consists of a purified mixture of furocoumarins, primarily xanthotoxin (methoxsalen) and isopimpinellin. Amifurin is utilized in photochemotherapy (PUVA) for the treatment of dermatological conditions including vitiligo, psoriasis, and alopecia areata. Its mechanism of action involves the intercalation of the furocoumarin molecules into the double helix of DNA within epidermal cells. Upon exposure to long-wave ultraviolet radiation (UVA, 320–400 nm), these compounds undergo a photochemical reaction to form covalent mono- and bi-adducts (cross-links) with pyrimidine bases, particularly thymine. This process inhibits DNA replication and cell proliferation, while simultaneously promoting the migration and activation of melanocytes, leading to increased skin pigmentation.

Brand names

Amifurin

Other names

Ammi majus furocoumarinsFurocoumarins of Ammi majus