Furocoumarins and other secondary metabolites from Psoralea canescens

Abstract

The furocoumarin and other chemical constituents from Psoralea canescens, a perennial legume from North America, were investigated. Two furocoumarins, psoralen and its angular isomer, angelicin, and two other major components (propenoic acid derivatives) were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods. P. canescens contains furocoumarins in both free and bound forms. The psoralen/angelicin ratios show that psoralen is predominant in all plant organs. Furocoumarins were shown to accumulate mainly in the roots, smaller amounts being present in the flowers and immature fruits. Considering the good dry matter production of Psoralea canescens, this species appears to be a valuable natural source of furocoumarins. © Swets & Zeitlinger.