Bergapten

• 4-methoxy- 7H- furo [3,2 -g] benzopyran- 7-one
• 5 -methoxypsoralen
• 5 -MOP

D05BA03

Colorless needles

Fixed

188 ° C ( sublimation)

Risk

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Bergapten is a natural substance found in the essential oils of various plants. Bergapten is a substance from the group of psoralens, which in turn are expected to coumarins.

Occurrence

Bergapten comes, inter alia, in the garden rue, bergamot, parsnip and giant hogweed found naturally. It is the methyl ether of bergaptol.

Application

Number of substances from this group bergapten a medical effect, as it is on the one hand, a selective blocker of the potassium channels in the nerve membranes. In this connection it has also proven active against multiple sclerosis. Bergapten is used also in the PUVA ( psoralen UV (A) irradiation), which is for the treatment of diseases such as psoriasis and vitiligo used.

Hazards

However Bergapten has also, as well as other linear furanocoumarins on the type of psoralen, photosensitizing properties, ie, it sensitizes the skin to sunlight and UV radiation. Due to the strong substance inflammation and sunburn are caused when exposed to light. This Bergapten also damages the DNA of skin cells, so that long-term damage such as cancer can be the result. For this reason, evaded in the search for MS drugs on related substances.