PSORALEN Meaning and
Definition
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Psoralen is a naturally occurring compound found in various plants, including citrus fruits, figs, and celery. It belongs to a group of compounds called furocoumarins, which are organic chemicals known for their ability to react with ultraviolet (UV) light. Psoralen has been widely studied for its medicinal and biological properties.
In medicine, psoralen is primarily known for its use in phototherapy treatments for certain skin conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, and eczema. Psoralen is applied topically or administered orally before the affected area is exposed to UVA light. The combined effect of psoralen and UVA light, known as PUVA therapy, helps to improve skin conditions by inhibiting abnormal cell growth, reducing inflammation, and stimulating repigmentation.
Beyond its medical applications, psoralen also has insecticidal properties and has been used in pest control. In agriculture, it has been used to control weed growth and as a defense mechanism in some plants against herbivores.
Psoralen is also widely studied for its potential activity as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy, where it can be used to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are investigating its anti-tumor effects and exploring its potential in combination with other treatments.
Overall, psoralen is a versatile compound with important applications in medicine, agriculture, and research. Its unique chemical properties and ability to react with UV light make it a valuable tool in various fields.
Common Misspellings for PSORALEN
- lsoralen
- -soralen
- 0soralen
- paoralen
- pzoralen
- pxoralen
- pdoralen
- peoralen
- pworalen
- psiralen
- pskralen
- pslralen
- pspralen
- ps0ralen
- ps9ralen
- psoealen
- psodalen
- psofalen
- psotalen
- pso5alen
Etymology of PSORALEN
The word "psoralen" comes from the Greek word "psōríāsis", meaning "itch" or "itching". Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by patches of scaly skin, which is often accompanied by itching. Psoralen is a compound discovered in the mid-20th century that was found to be useful in treating psoriasis. The suffix "-en" is commonly used in organic chemistry to denote a compound or substance. Thus, the term "psoralen" refers to a compound related to the treatment of psoriasis.
