Compound Monograph
Bergapten
Bergapten is a furanocoumarin (psoralen) found in bergamot, angelica and other plants, known for making skin sensitive to ultraviolet light.
Classification
Bergapten is a furanocoumarin (psoralen), part of the phenolics class. Antioxidant compounds built around one or more phenol rings — the flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins, and pigments behind much of a plant's protective chemistry.
Where Does It Come From? (5)
Bergapten is a naturally occurring furanocoumarin (psoralen), found in Angelica, Bergamot, Common rue and 2 other sources. It is flagged as moderately toxic.
Research & Evidence
Bergapten is a linear furanocoumarin (a psoralen) found in bergamot oil, angelica, rue and various other plants of the carrot and citrus families. It is phototoxic: on exposure to ultraviolet light it forms cross-links with DNA, a property that has been exploited medically in PUVA (psoralen plus UVA) therapy for psoriasis and other skin conditions.
Toxicity & Safety
The main hazard of bergapten is phototoxicity. Skin contact with bergapten-containing plant juice or expressed citrus oils, followed by sun exposure, can cause phytophotodermatitis: burning, redness and blistering, often leaving lingering pigmentation. For this reason bergapten content is restricted in cosmetics and sun-exposed skin products. It can also inhibit drug-metabolising enzymes, contributing to interactions associated with grapefruit and related citrus.