Psoralen-Induced Phytophotodermatitis

Quality evaluation for Ficus hirta Vahl granules, using TLC and HPLC fingerprint combined with chemical pattern recognition

Ficus hirta Vahl is a healthy food with both medicinal and culinary properties and with anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. There is currently no standardized or universally accepted research strategy for evaluating the quality of Ficus hirta Vahl granules (FHGs). Therefore, the development of a comprehensive quality evaluation method is crucial for the quality control of FHGs. In this study, we used n-hexane : trichloromethane : ethyl acetate : glacial acetic acid = 20 : 4 : 7 : 1 as the optimal developing agent for TLC to separate and identify 15 batches of FHGs from different origins. Using HPLC, a fingerprint with 7 common peaks was established, and peaks 6 and 7 were attributed to psoralen and bergapten, respectively. The content of the identified components was determined. Further quality evaluation of FHGs was performed using chemical pattern recognition, and the results showed that hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) could cluster 15 batches of FHGs into 2 categories. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 2 principal components can show the similarities and differences between different batches of FHGs. Orthogonal partial least squares discrimination (OPLS-DA) showed that components 5, 6 (psoralen) and 7 (bergapten) are landmark components that cause differences in FHG quality from different regions. By integrating the analytical modes of TLC, HPLC fingerprint and chemical pattern recognition, a scientific basis is provided for the comprehensive control and evaluation of herbal medicine quality.

Phytophotodermatitis Due to Fig Tree Sap Activated by Ultraviolet Light: A Case Report

Phytophotodermatitis is a dermatological reaction caused by exposure to certain plants, which becomes activated upon subsequent exposure to sunlight. This can frequently result in a rash. Typically, supportive treatment is recommended. In this report, we describe the case of phytophotodermatitis in a 57-year-old man who experienced a painful rash with streaked lesions following the pruning of a fig tree during the summer. The patient, with no significant medical history, presented to the emergency department in July with a painful, streaked rash on both forearms. The lesions appeared overnight, predominantly on areas of skin exposed while sleeping. The patient denied contact with potential irritants and had not engaged in recent travel or altered his usual habits. Laboratory tests, including complete blood count and markers of inflammation, showed no abnormalities. A thorough patient history revealed recent fig tree pruning, a task usually undertaken in winter. The diagnosis of phytophotodermatitis was made based on the characteristic skin lesions and the patient's history of exposure to fig tree sap. Treatment with antihistamines led to improvement in symptoms, and the patient was discharged with a week-long course of antihistamines and advice to avoid sunlight and contact with fig trees. This case underscores the importance of a detailed medical history, especially in the context of dermatological lesions, to accurately diagnose and treat conditions like phytophotodermatitis.

Food-Borne Chemical Carcinogens and the Evidence for Human Cancer Risk

Commonly consumed foods and beverages can contain chemicals with reported carcinogenic activity in rodent models. Moreover, exposures to some of these substances have been associated with increased cancer risks in humans. Food-borne carcinogens span a range of chemical classes and can arise from natural or anthropogenic sources, as well as form endogenously. Important considerations include the mechanism(s) of action (MoA), their relevance to human biology, and the level of exposure in diet. The MoAs of carcinogens have been classified as either DNA-reactive (genotoxic), involving covalent reaction with nuclear DNA, or epigenetic, involving molecular and cellular effects other than DNA reactivity. Carcinogens are generally present in food at low levels, resulting in low daily intakes, although there are some exceptions. Carcinogens of the DNA-reactive type produce effects at lower dosages than epigenetic carcinogens. Several food-related DNA-reactive carcinogens, including aflatoxins, aristolochic acid, benzene, benzo[a]pyrene and ethylene oxide, are recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as causes of human cancer. Of the epigenetic type, the only carcinogen considered to be associated with increased cancer in humans, although not from low-level food exposure, is dioxin (TCDD). Thus, DNA-reactive carcinogens in food represent a much greater risk than epigenetic carcinogens.