Heat fragmentation pattern of DNA treated with two different Furocoumarins isolated from Anethum Graveolens leaves

Abstract

Prolonged local consumption of Anethum graveolens leaves, as an antihyperlipimic and antihypercholesterolemic agent, has been associated in some patients with skin disorders such as darkening and pigmentation mainly in the exposed areas such as face and hands.Anethum graveolens belongs to the umbelliferae family which is belived to be rich in photoactive furocoumarins. An oraganic extract of the powdered leaves was analysed for the photosensitive compounds. Al least six different photosensitive compounds.Al least six different photosensitive components were detected in the TLC chromatogram of the extract. Two of the most photosensitive components were purified compounds into two different purifed plasmid DNAs were observed. In addition, photoreacted DNA samples were easily fragmented by heat treatment in comparision to control samples not treated with the furocoumarins.