8-Methoxypsoralen

White to yellow powder. Soluble in acetic acid or water (slightly). Methoxsalen (8-Methoxypsoralen) is a potent tricyclic furocoumarin suicide inhibitor of CYP (cytochrome P-450). Has more potency than 5-MOP, 5-OH-P, DH-8-MOP and psoralen in inhibiting CYP2B1 (cytochrome P-450 2B1). Completely inhibits the metabolism of nicotine in vitro. Inhibits the metabolism of caffeine. Methoxsalen is a drug with photoactivating properties used to treat psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo and some cutaneous lymphomas in conjunction with exposing the skin to UVA light. Upon photoactivation, ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation induces monoadducts and interstrand cross-links in DNA and therefore can be used to study DNA repair and recombination mechanisms.