Oxypeucedanin, a Major Furocoumarin in Parsley,<i>Petroselinum crispum</i>

Abstract

Fresh parsley leaves and roots were analyzed by HPLC and photobiological assay for photoactive furocoumarins. Oxypeucedanin ( 7), not previously reported from parsley, was found to be the major component (70-100 ppm wet weight). Although only moderately photoactive, its high concentration in parsley may be partially responsible for contact photodermatitis. Other photoactive compounds, namely 5-MOP ( 2), 8-MOP ( 3), psoralen ( 1), isopimpinellin ( 4) and imperatorin ( 5) were also present and quantified.