Search request: F KW CELERY AND PSORALEN Search result: 4 citations in the Medline database Display: ABS 1. Schlatter J; Zimmerli B; Dick R; Panizzon R; Schlatter C. Dietary intake and risk assessment of phototoxic furocoumarins in humans. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 1991 Aug, 29(8):523-30. (UI: 91372710) AT: UCSF Library W1 FO 403 Journals 20, 1982- (PE title: Food and chemical toxicology.) Abstract: The question of whether the furocoumarin content of vegetables is sufficient to induce phototoxic skin reactions after ultraviolet irradiation was examined in two experiments with four human volunteers. In a first experiment, 300 g of celery roots (total phototoxic furocoumarin content 28.2 micrograms/g) was ingested. No skin reactions were observed after UVA exposure (1.5-9 J/cm2), and the blood levels of the furocoumarins--psoralen, 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP)--were below the analytical detection limit of 2 ng/ml. To investigate the phototoxic effects of a mixture of the two most important furocoumarins in vegetables, after gastro-intestinal uptake, 8-MOP and 5-MOP (15 mg each) were ingested separately in a 50% alcoholic solution. A strong and persistent erythema was induced in three out of the four subjects (UVA dose: 3-25 J/cm2). The blood levels immediately before UVA irradiation varied between 14 and 114 ng/ml (8-MOP), and 17 and 70 ng/ml (5-MOP). In the subject who did not show phototoxicity, the blood levels remained at trace levels (3 ng/ml). Two subjects were also tested with a mixture of 10 mg 8-MOP plus 10 mg 5-MOP; in one subject the mixture induced pigmentation only, while in the other a mild-to-medium erythema was induced. The blood levels of the furocoumarins in the two subjects were similar (12-15 ng/ml for 8-MOP and 5-MOP). It is concluded that in humans the phototoxic threshold dose of furocoumarin mixtures is of the order of 10 mg 8-MOP plus 10 mg 5-MOP, which is equivalent to about 15 mg 8-MOP per person (blood levels of 8-MOP and 5-MOP at 30 min after ingestion of about 10-15 ng/ml each). This phototoxic threshold dose was not reached by the consumption of celery roots and other conventional vegetables under normal dietary habits (experimental intake of 2-8 mg per subject of the potentially phototoxic furocoumarin mixture). However, the safety factor between the possible actual intake of furocoumarins and the phototoxic threshold dose is about 2-10, which is relatively small. 2. Ljunggren B. Severe phototoxic burn following celery ingestion [see comments]. Archives of Dermatology, 1990 Oct, 126(10):1334-6. (UI: 91024245) AT: UCSF Library W1 AR 452T Journals [72, 1955-] (PE title: Archives of dermatology.) Abstract: A 65-year-old woman developed a severe, generalized phototoxic reaction following a visit to a suntan parlor. History taking revealed that she had consumed a large quantity of celery root (Apium graveolens) 1 hour earlier. With the use of thin-layer chromatography, methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen) and 5-methoxypsoralen were identified in the extract from a similar celery root. The biologic activity of this extract, as evaluated with the semiquantitative Candida albicans inhibition technique, indicated a total psoralen dose of approximately 45 mg. Substantial amounts of psoralen may be absorbed from vegetables, such as celery, and under unusual circumstances, this may constitute a health hazard. (Ed. Note: The quantity in the article was stated as 450g of cooked celery and the patient also drank the juices. Reaction peaked after 24 hours.) 3. Trumble JT; Dercks W; Quiros CF; Beier RC. Host plant resistance and linear furanocoumarin content of Apium accessions. Journal of Economic Entomology, 1990 Apr, 83(2):519-25. (UI: 90264582) (Requested library location(s) not linked. Try F PE .) Abstract: Linear furanocoumarin contents and antibiotic resistance to Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) were documented for Apium species being investigated in a celery breeding program. In no-choice tests, L. trifolii fed more, produced more offspring, and had the highest pupal and adult productivity on the widely planted cultivar 'Tall Utah' 52-70R (Apium graveolens L.). Antibiotic effects of the commercial cultivar 'Tall Utah' 52-70 HK and University of California families 87A-147 and 87A-338, derived from A. chilense Hook and Arn., were intermediate. Only A. nodiflorum (L.) Lag (accession 87A-236) did not allow survival beyond the larval stage. Concentrations of the carcinogenic and mutagenic linear furanocoumarins varied by location within plants (leaves usually greater than petioles), by specific compound (trend: psoralen less than xanthotoxin less than bergapten or isopimpinellin), and between accessions. A. nodiflorum had the lowest foliar levels of phototoxic furanocoumarins (11.8 micrograms/g fresh weight) and the best potential for use in the breeding program. Foliar levels of phototoxic furanocoumarins (psoralen, bergapten, and xanthotoxin) in plants 87A-147-3 (406 micrograms/g), 87A-147-2 (292.9 micrograms/g), and the family 87A-338 (265.9 micrograms/g) were 22.6, 16.3, and 14.8 times higher, respectively, than the concentration known to produce contact dermatitis (18 micrograms/g). Even with such variability in concentration, the foliar content of linear furanocoumarins (individually or total) and L. trifolii adult production were not correlated. 4. Beier RC. Natural pesticides and bioactive components in foods. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1990, 113:47-137. (UI: 90116654) Pub type: Journal Article; Review; Review, Academic. (Requested library location(s) not linked. Try F PE .) Abstract: In this review, some common food plants and their toxic or otherwise bioactive components and mycotoxin contaminants have been considered. Crucifers contain naturally occurring components that are goitrogenic, resulting from the combined action of allyl isothiocyanate, goitrin, and thiocyanate. Although crucifers may provide some protection from cancer when taken prior to a carcinogen, when taken after a carcinogen they act as promoters of carcinogenesis. The acid-condensed mixture of indole-3-carbinol (a component of crucifers) binds to the TCDD receptor and causes responses similar to those of TCDD. Herbs contain many biologically active components, with more than 20% of the commercially prepared human drugs coming from these plants. Onion and garlic juices can help to prevent the rise of serum cholesterol. Most herbs used in treatments may have many natural constituents that act oppositely from their intended use. Some herbs like Bishop's week seed contain carcinogens, and many contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause cirrhosis of the liver. The general phytoalexin response in plants (including potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, celery, and sweet potatoes) induced by external stimuli can increase the concentrations of toxic chemical constituents in those plants. In potatoes, two major indigenous compounds are alpha-solanine and alpha-chaconine, which are human plasma cholinesterase inhibitors and teratogens in animals. Because of its toxicity, the potato variety Lenape was withdrawn from the market. --> Celery, parsley, and parsnips contain the linear furanocoumarin phytoalexins psoralen, bergapten, and xanthotoxin that can cause photosensitization and also are photomutagenic and photocarcinogenic. Celery field workers and handlers continually have photosensitization problems as a result of these indigenous celery furanocoumarins. A new celery cultivar (a result of plant breeding to produce a more pest-resistant variety) was responsible for significant incidences of phytophotodermatitis of grocery employees. Since there is no regulatory agency or body designated to oversee potential toxicological issues associated with naturally occurring toxicants, photodermatitis continues to occur from celery exposure. Sweet potatoes contain phytoalexins that can cause lung edema and are hepatotoxic to mice. At least one of these, 4-ipomeanol, can cause extensive lung clara cell necrosis and can increase the severity of pneumonia in mice. Some phytoalexins in sweet potatoes are hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic to mice. The common mushroom Agaricus bisporus contains benzyl alcohol as its most abundant volatile, and A. bisporus and Gyromitra esculenta both contain hydrazine analogues. Mycotoxins are found in corn, cottonseed, fruits, grains, grain sorghums, and nuts (especially peanuts); therefore, they also occur in apple juice, bread, peanut butter, and other products made from contaminated starting materials.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)