psoralen

Psoralen is a naturally occurring tricyclic aromatic compound classified as a linear furanocoumarin. It is found in the seeds of *Psoralea corylifolia* (补骨脂), as well as in figs, celery, parsley, and citrus fruits. Psoralen acts by intercalating into DNA and forming covalent adducts with pyrimidine bases upon exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. This mechanism underlies its use in photochemotherapy (PUVA therapy) for skin diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Psoralen also exhibits anticancer activity by inhibiting cell proliferation through disruption of mitochondrial function and reduction of energy supply to cells[2][6][9].

Other names

furocoumarinpsoralene7H-Furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one