Furocoumarins: A review of biochemical activities, dietary sources and intake, and potential health risks

• Furocoumarins are photoactive compounds occurring naturally in numerous plant species . • Furocoumarins can form DNA crosslinks when photoactivated, thereby disrupting DNA replication. • Phototherapy using furocoumarins with UVA have been associated with increased skin cancer risk. • Estimates of the level of exposure to dietary furocoumarins are highly variable. • Potential risks associated with dietary furocoumarin exposure have not been fully clarified.