psoralen

American  

[sawr-uh-luhn, sohr-] / ˈsɔr ə lən, ˈsoʊr- /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of psoralen

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