Bergapten

Structural formula
General
Surname	Bergapten
other names	4-methoxy-7 H -furo [3,2- g ] benzopyran-7-one; 5-methoxypsoralen; 5-MOP;
Molecular formula	C 12 H 8 O 4
Brief description	colorless needles
External identifiers / databases
EC number	207-604-5
ECHA InfoCard	100.006.913
PubChem	2355
ChemSpider	2265
DrugBank	DB12216
Wikidata	Q414779
Drug information
ATC code	D05 BA03
properties
Molar mass	216.18 g mol −1
Physical state	firmly
Melting point	188 ° C (sublimation)
safety instructions
	Please note the exemption from the labeling requirement for drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, food and animal feed
GHS labeling of hazardous substances danger
H and P phrases	H: 334-340-350
	P: 201-261-308 + 313
	As far as possible and customary, SI units are used. Unless otherwise noted, the data given apply to standard conditions .

Bergapten is a natural substance that occurs in the essential oils of various plants . Bergapten is a substance from the group of psoralens , which in turn are counted among the coumarins .

Occurrence

Bergamot fruits

Bergapten occurs naturally in the rue , bergamot , parsnip and giant hogweed . It is the methyl ether of Bergaptol .

application

Like many substances from this group, Bergapten also has a medicinal effect, on the one hand it is a selective blocker of the potassium channels in the nerve membranes. In this context, it has also been tested as an active ingredient against multiple sclerosis . Bergapten is also used for PUVA therapy (psoralen + UV (A) radiation), which is used to treat diseases such as psoriasis and vitiligo .

hazards

Bergapten, like other linear furanocoumarins of the psoralens type, also has photosensitizing properties , that is to say it sensitizes the skin to sunlight and UV radiation. The substance causes severe inflammation and sunburn when exposed to light. Bergapten also damages the DNA of the skin cells, which can result in long-term damage such as cancer . For this reason, the search for MS drugs has turned to related substances.

Individual evidence

↑ ^a ^b Entry on Bergapten. In: Römpp Online . Georg Thieme Verlag, accessed on June 22, 2014.

↑ ^a ^b Bergapten data sheet at Sigma-Aldrich , accessed on March 13, 2011 ( PDF ).

[Römpp-1] Entry on Bergapten. In: Römpp Online . Georg Thieme Verlag, accessed on June 22, 2014.