Bergapten (Synonyms Bergapten; Heraclin; Majudin; Psoraderm; 5-Methoxypsoralen; 5-MO)

2.3.3.3 Bergapten (e)

Synonyms Bergapten; Heraclin; Majudin; Psoraderm; 5-Methoxypsoralen; 5-MOP.

Biological Source Bergapten is the naturally occurring analogue of psoralen and an isomer of methoxsalen, mostly found in a wide variety of plants, such as: roots and fruits of Angelica archangelica L. (Apiaceae)-Angelica, Garden Angelica, European Angelica; seeds of Apium graveolens L. (Apiaceae)-Celery; leaves, stems and fruits of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. (Apiaceae)-Parsley; Rue Oil of Ruta graveolens L. (Rutaceae)-Rue, Garden Rue, German Rue.

Preparation Bergapten was first isolated from the oil of bergamot from Citrus bergamia Risso., belonging to the natural order Aurantiodiae*. It was also isolated from Fagara xanthoxyloides Lam., belonging to family Rutaceae.**

Chemical Structure

Characteristic Features The crystals obtained from ethanol are needle-shaped having mp 188°C. It sublimes on heating. It is practically insoluble in boiling water, slightly soluble in glacial acetic acid, chloroform, benzene, and warm phenol. It is soluble in absolute ethanol (1 part in 60).

Identification Test It gives a distinct yellow-gold colouration when its solution is treated with a few drops of concentrate H₂SO₄.

Uses

1. It is used in photochemotherapy of psoriasis.

2. It has been used to promote tanning in suntan preparations e.g., creams and lotions.

Source:Pharmacognosy And Pharmacobiotechnology By Ashutosh Kar