Psoralen (psoralene, Ficusin, Furocoumarin)

Description: Psoralen (psoralene, Ficusin, Furocoumarin) is a naturally occurring furocoumarin isolated from Fructus Psoraleae, it intercalates with DNA, inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell division. Psoralen inhibits the proliferation of MCF-7/ADR cells as shown by G0/G1 phase arrest rather than encouraging apoptosis. Psoralen reverses MDR(multidrug resistance) through inhibiting ATPase activity rather than reducing P-gp expression. Psoralen inhibits the migration abilities of MCF-7/ADR cells by repressing EMT possibly through inhibiting the activation of NF-kappaB. Psoralens are photoactive compounds that readily alkylate DNA when activated by longwave ultraviolet light.

References: Biol Pharm Bull. 2016 May 1; 39(5):815-22; Afr Health Sci. 2014 Sep; 14(3):641-7; Fitoterapia. 2013 Dec; 91:205-10.