Methoxsalen

Methoxsalen

Systematic (IUPAC) name
9-methoxy-7H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one
Identifiers
CAS number	298-81-7
ATC code	D05AD02 D05BA02
PubChem	4114
DrugBank	APRD00157
Chemical data
Formula	C12H8O4
Mol. mass	216.19 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	~2 hours
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status
Routes	?
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Methoxsalen also called Xanthotoxin and Metoxaleno (marketed under the trade name Oxsoralen , Dltasoralen , Meladinine) is a drug used to treat psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and some cutaneous Lymphomas in conjunction with exposing the skin to sunlight. Methoxsalen is extracted from Ammi majus plant of family Umbelliferae Methoxsalen modifies the way skin cells receive the UVA radiation, allegedly clearing up the disease. The dosage comes in 10mg tablets, which are taken in the amount of 30mg 75 minutes before a PUVA light treatment. The substance is also present in bergamot oil which is used in many perfumes and aromatherapy oils.

Risks and side effects

Patients with high blood pressure or a history of liver problems are at risk for inflammation and irreparable damage to both liver and skin. The eyes must be protected from UVA radiation. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness, and in rare cases insomnia. When Eau de Cologne was made, it became a popular perfume. It contained bergamot oil as one of its components. Ladies wearing the perfume on places where the skin was radiated by the sun, noticed that their skin turned brownish at those spots. This is due to the phototoxic effects of methoxsalen present in the bergamot oil. The methoxsalen was removed, and most modern formulations of perfumes containing bergamot are de-methoxsalenised.

Cultural aspects

Author John Howard Griffin used the chemical to darken his skin in order to investigate racial segregation in the south. He wrote the non-fiction book Black Like Me about his experiences.^[1]

References

1. ^ Dead Like Me on snopes.com

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