Furocoumarins: A review of biochemical activities, dietary sources and intake, and potential health risks

- Furocoumarins are photoactive compounds occurring naturally in numerous plant species.
- Furocoumarins can form DNA crosslinks when photoactivated, thereby disrupting DNA replication.
- Phototherapy using furocoumarins with UVA have been associated with increased skin cancer risk.
- Estimates of the level of exposure to dietary furocoumarins are highly variable.
- Potential risks associated with dietary furocoumarin exposure have not been fully clarified.