methoxsalen
Sign in to saveMethoxsalen (or Xanthotoxin, 8-methoxypsoralen) sold under the brand name Oxsoralen and Melanocyl among others, is a medication used to treat psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and some cutaneous lymphomas in conjunction with exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UVA) light from lamps or sunlight. Methoxsalen modifies the way skin cells receive the UVA radiation, allegedly clearing up the disease. Levels of individual patient PUVA exposure were originally determined using the Fitzpatrick scale. The scale was developed after patients demonstrated symptoms of phototoxicity after oral ingestion of methoxsa
Chemical data
- Formula
- C12H8O4
- Molecular weight
- 216.19 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- 9-methoxyfuro[3,2-g]chromen-7-one
via PubChem
Wikidata facts
- Subclass of
- furanocoumarin
- Mass
- +216.042
Show 6 more facts
- P2868
- carcinogen
- P1552
- bitterness
- P366
- medication
- P3493
- boxed warning
via Wikidata · CC0
Article
7 sectionsContents
- Natural sources
- Biosynthesis
- Synthesis of umbelliferone
- Synthesis of methoxsalen
- Risks and side effects
- Society and culture
- References
Methoxsalen (or Xanthotoxin, 8-methoxypsoralen) sold under the brand name Oxsoralen and Melanocyl among others, is a medication used to treat psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and some cutaneous lymphomas in conjunction with exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UVA) light from lamps or sunlight. Methoxsalen modifies the way skin cells receive the UVA radiation, allegedly clearing up the disease. Levels of individual patient PUVA exposure were originally determined using the Fitzpatrick scale. The scale was developed after patients demonstrated symptoms of phototoxicity after oral ingestion of methoxsalen followed by PUVA therapy. Chemically, methoxsalen is a derivative of psoralen and belongs to a class of organic natural molecules known as furanocoumarins. They consist of coumarin annulated with furan. It can also be injected and used topically.
== Natural sources == In 1947, methoxsalen was isolated (under the name "ammoidin") from the plant Ammi majus, bishop's weed.