Photosensitization and Mutation Induced in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains by Dorstenin, a Psoralen Analog Isolated from Dorstenia bahiensis

Abstract

Dorstenin, 5-[3-(4,5-dihydro-5,5-dimethyl-4-oxo-2-furanyl)-butoxy]-7H-furo[3, 2-g] [1] benzopyran-7-one, is a psoralen analog recently isolated from Dorstenia species (Moraceae). In order to characterize its biological activity, its photosensitizing and mutational properties were measured in wild-type E. coli and S. cerevisiae and also in strains carrying mutations which affect DNA repair. Compared to the high activities of psoralen and bergapten, dorstenin showed lower genotoxic effect.

Key words

Dorstenia - Moraceae - photosensitization - mutation - dorstenin - Escherichia coli - Saccharomyces cerevisiae

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