abstract |
The present invention provides a composition and methods for inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzyme activity and in particular, inhibiting the activity of the cytochrome P450 3A sub-family of enzymes, specifically, CYP3A4. The present invention provides 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin, a furanocoumarin, as the compound primarily responsable for the inhibitory effects of grapefruit juice on cytochrome P450 enzyme activity. The present invention also provides a novel synthesis scheme for 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin. |