Tag: Psoralen

Dating back to 1550 BC, plant-based psoralens were used to treat skin conditions, and today, **methoxsalen** is the most common answer to 'What is another name for Psoralen?' for clinical use. This photosensitizing compound, a member of the furocoumarin family, is primarily utilized in photochemotherapy for dermatological issues like psoriasis and vitiligo.

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.