Therapeutic potential of plant photosensitizers

摘要: Abstract Many bioactive phytochemicals have been shown in recent years to be photosensitizers, i.e. their toxic activities against viruses, micro-organisms, insects or cells are dependent on augmented by light of certain wavelengths. These often selective, and this has led the concept therapeutic prospects control infectious diseases, pests cancer. Reaction mechanisms commonly involve singlet oxygen radicals, which thought cause photodamage membranes macromolecules. The main classes plant photosensitizers reviewed here polyyines (acetylenes, thiophenes related compounds); furanyl compounds; β-carbolines other alkaloids; complex quinones. We propose that within each group there several representatives merit further study for abilities appropriate animal models.