The furanocoumarins, or furocoumarins, are a class of organic chemical compounds produced by a variety of plants. Most of the plant species found to contain furanocoumarins belong to a handful of plant families. The families Apiaceae and Rutaceae include the largest numbers of plant species that contain furanocoumarins. The families Moraceae and Fabaceae include a few widely distributed plant species that contain furanocoumarins.[1]
Generally furanocoumarins are most abundant in plants that have flowered and in ripe seeds and fruits.[1] (An exception is the common fig where furanocoumarins are found chiefly in the milky sap of the leaves and shoots but not the fruits.[2]) During the early stages of plant growth, their presence is not easily detected.
- ^ a b Pathak, M. A.; Daniels Jr., Farrington; Fitzpatrick, T. B. (September 1962). "The Presently Known Distribution of Furocoumarins (Psoralens) in Plants". Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 39 (3): 225–239. doi:10.1038/jid.1962.106. PMID 13941836.
- ^ Zaynoun, S. T.; Aftimos, B. G.; Abi Ali, L.; Tenekjian, K. K.; Khalidi, U.; Kurban, A. K. (July 1984). "Ficus carica; isolation and quantification of the photoactive components". Contact Dermatitis. 11 (1): 21–25. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.1984.tb00164.x. PMID 6744838. Cited in McGovern and Barkley 2000, section Phytophotodermatitis.