UV-Mediated Genotoxicity of Furanoquinoline and of Certain Tryptophan-Derived Alkaloids

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Abstract
Certain furanoquinolines of the Rutaceae and a number of the widely distributed .beta.-carboline or harmane alkaloids were photosensitizers in near UV light (320-400 nm). These compounds were phototoxic to yeasts and bacteria. Two canthinones of the Rutaceae and the N-methylpyrolidine-substituted harmane alkaloid, brevicolline (from Carex), displayed phototoxicity towards bacteria and fungi in near UV light. All of these alkaloids were phototoxic to Chinese hamster ovary cells, inhibiting mitosis and causing gross chromosomal changes. The target for their phototoxicity appears to be the cell nucleus.