Information About

Furanocoumarin




The chemical structure of furanocoumarins consists of a Furan ring fused with Coumarin . The furan may be fused in different ways producing several Isomer s. The compounds that form the core structure of the two most common isomers are Psoralen and Angelicin . Derivatives of these two core structures are referred to respectively as linear and angular furanocoumarins.

Many furanocoumarins are toxic and are produced by plants as a defense mechanism against various types of predators ranging from

Furanocoumarins have other biological effects as well. For example, in humans, Bergamottin and Dihydroxybergamottin are responsible for the Grapefruit Juice Effect , in which these furanocoumarins affect the metabolism of certain pharmaceutical drugs.1


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