BERGAPTENE Meaning and
Definition
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Bergaptene is a chemical compound belonging to the class of furanocoumarins, which are found predominantly in several plant families including citrus fruits, especially in their peels. Specifically, bergaptene is a linear furanocoumarin derivative that exhibits a strong phototoxicity potential.
In its pure form, bergaptene appears as colorless crystal aggregates or needle-like crystals with a distinct aroma. It is an organic compound consisting of a furan ring fused with a coumarin ring, with an additional psoralen group attached to the furan ring. Bergaptene is insoluble in water, but readily dissolves in organic solvents such as chloroform or ethyl acetate.
Bergaptene is commonly known for its phototoxic effects on human skin. Upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, bergaptene undergoes a photochemical reaction resulting in the formation of reactive intermediates that can lead to DNA damage and skin inflammation. This is commonly referred to as "phytophotodermatitis" or "lime disease," which primarily occurs after contact with bergapten-containing plants followed by exposure to sunlight.
Due to its phototoxic nature, bergaptene has also been used in dermatological treatments for certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and vitiligo. Moreover, it has found application in the field of photochemotherapy, where it acts as a photoactive agent enhancing the effects of UV radiation in treating skin diseases.
It is worth noting that the use of bergaptene has faced restrictions and bans in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products due to its adverse effects on the skin and the potential for promoting skin cancer.
Common Misspellings for BERGAPTENE
Etymology of BERGAPTENE
The word "bergaptene" is derived from the name of a specific plant called bergamot (Citrus bergamia), from which the compound was originally isolated. "Bergaptene" combines "bergamot" with the suffix "-ptene", which denotes a type of chemical compound. The term was coined to refer to a class of compounds found in the essential oil of bergamot that contribute to its distinctive fragrance.
