psoralen

[ sawr-uh-luhn, sohr- ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a toxic substance, C 1 1 H 6 O 3 , found in certain plants, including parsnips, used to increase the response to ultraviolet light in the treatment of severe cases of acne and psoriasis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of psoralen¹

1930–35; < New Latin Psoral ( ea ) name of a genus of plants yielding the compound (< Greek psōraléa, neuter plural of psōraléos mangy, in reference to the glandular dots on the plant; psoriasis ) + -en, variant of -ene

Example Sentences

After the cancer failed to respond to chemo, veterinary oncologists recommended an experimental treatment in which tiny particles were injected into the tumor with a light-sensitive compound called psoralen.

From Washington Post

The resulting reaction is due to a substance called psoralen, used to make the skin more sensitive to a wavelength of ultraviolet light, UV-A, used to treat certain skin conditions.

From Reuters

The ensuing reaction -- most commonly seen in people such as bartenders who work outdoors with limes -- owes to a substance called psoralen, Flugman told Reuters Health.

From Reuters

Psoralen is used to make the skin more sensitive to the effects of a wavelength of ultraviolet light known as UV-A, which is used to treat certain skin conditions.

From Reuters