Biosynthesis of O–Alkylfurocoumarins in Angelica archangelica

Abstract

The Authors have studied the biosynthesis of O–alkylfurocoumarins present in the green plants of Angelica archangelica, administering marmesin, rutaretin and successively also psoralen. While marmesin has been efficaciously incorporated in the isolated O–alkylfurocoumatfins, rutaretin (8–hydroxymarmesin) was not utilized by the plant, Psoralen on the other hand was effectively incorporated into O–alkylfurocoumarins.

The data seem to indicate that the biosynthesis of O–alkylfurocoumarins derives in this plant from hydroxylation of psoralen and successive alkylation.

Key Word Index

Biosynthesis - Angelica archangelica - O–alkylfurocoumarins