Apiaceae, coumarins furanocoumarins

Hadacek F, Mueller C, Werner A, Greger H, Proksch P, Analysis, isolation and insecticidal activity of linear furanocoumarins and other coumarin derivatives from Peuxedanum (Apiaceae Apioideae),/ Ecol 20 2035—2054, 1994. 

Coumarins and furanocoumarins, which serve as potent defence compounds in the Apiaceae and Rutaceae, occur in a few, mostly unrelated, species. Only in the genus Psoralea do they have a wide distribution. An-thraquinones, which are potent Na+, K+-ATPase inhibitors and strong purgatives, occur widely in the genus Cassia (Senna), but otherwise only occasionally in Andira and Abrus. 

Furanocoumarins are formed when furor ring is joined with coumarins. The plants of Rutaceae, Leguminosae and Apiaceae are rich sources of furanocoumarins. Depending upon the structure, the furanocoumarins are divided into linear and angular types. Furanocoumarin containing preparations are used externally as well as internally for treatment of leucoderma, psoriasis and skin carcinoma. 

Although simple coumarins are found in many plant families, the distribution of furanocoumarins is restricted. Furanocoumarins have been reported from the Apiaceae (Umbelli-ferae), Asteraceae (Compositae), Moraceae (Brosimum, Dorstenia, Fatoua, and Ficus), Pittosporaceae, Rosaceae, Rutaceae, Solanaceae, and Thymelaeaceae (Bilia et al, 1992,1993 Murray etal., 1982 Swain and Downum, 1990). Certain precursors to this group of compounds are found in the Cneoraceae (Murray, 1978). 

Coumarins are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, especially in the families Apiaceae, Rutaceae, Leguminosae, and Compositae [30,31]. Generally, the highest level of coumarins is found in the fruits, followed by roots, stems, and leaves. In Table 1 are shown the main linear furanocoumarins present in the plant kingdom and vegetable sources. On the other hand, in Table 2 are shown the main angular furanocoumarins and their presence in different plants. 

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