Psoralens

Psoralens are a group of naturally occurring furanocoumarin compounds that are found in a variety of plants, including Psoralea corylifolia. They are phototoxic, meaning they become toxic when exposed to light, specifically ultraviolet (UV) light. Psoralens have been used in the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and eczema.

History

Psoralens have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. The ancient Egyptians used plants containing psoralens to treat skin conditions. In the 20th century, scientists began to study psoralens in a clinical setting, leading to the development of PUVA therapy, a treatment for psoriasis that combines a psoralen drug with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light.

Mechanism of Action

Psoralens work by intercalating into the DNA double helix, where they form covalent bonds with pyrimidine bases, particularly thymine. When exposed to UVA light, psoralens become activated and can form cross-links with the DNA, disrupting its normal function. This can lead to cell death, which is useful in the treatment of skin conditions characterized by rapid cell growth, such as psoriasis.

Uses

Psoralens are used in PUVA therapy for the treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo, and eczema. They are also used in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In addition, psoralens have been used in research to study DNA repair and cell division.

Side Effects

The use of psoralens can lead to a number of side effects, including skin redness, itching, and burning. Long-term use can increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, their use should be carefully monitored by a healthcare professional.

See Also

• Furanocoumarin
• Psoralea corylifolia
• PUVA therapy
• Psoriasis
• Vitiligo
• Eczema

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