Oxypeucedanin, a Major Furocoumarin in Parsley,Petroselinum crispum

Abstract
Fresh parsley leaves and roots were analyzed by HPLC and photobiological assay for photoactive furocoumarins. Oxypeucedanin (7), not previously reported from parsley, was found to be the major component (70-100 ppm wet weight). Although only moderately photoactive, its high concentration in parsley may be partially responsible for contact photodermatitis. Other photoactive compounds, namely 5-MOP (2), 8-MOP (3), psoralen (1), isopimpinellin (4) and imperatorin (5) were also present and quantified.