Tag: Photosensitizer

First discovered more than a century ago, the concept of using light to activate therapeutic compounds has evolved into a sophisticated medical technique. While there is no such thing as a "photosynthesizing drug," this query typically refers to a **photosensitizing drug**, a key component of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).

First documented for therapeutic use in ancient Egypt and India around 1200–2000 BCE, psoralen is a naturally occurring, photosensitive compound derived from plants like figs, celery, and parsley. This medication works in conjunction with ultraviolet A (UVA) light to treat a variety of skin diseases, a treatment method known as psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) photochemotherapy.