Review on natural coumarin lead compounds for their pharmacological activity

Biomed Res Int. 2013:2013:963248. doi: 10.1155/2013/963248. Epub 2013 Mar 24.

Abstract

Coumarin (2H-1-benzopyran-2-one) is a plant-derived natural product known for its pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antihypertensive, antitubercular, anticonvulsant, antiadipogenic, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Dietary exposure to benzopyrones is significant as these compounds are found in vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, coffee, tea, and wine. In view of the established low toxicity, relative cheapness, presence in the diet, and occurrence in various herbal remedies of coumarins, it appears prudent to evaluate their properties and applications further.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anticoagulants / chemistry
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antihypertensive Agents / chemistry
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Coumarins / adverse effects
  • Coumarins / chemistry*
  • Coumarins / classification*
  • Coumarins / pharmacokinetics
  • Coumarins / therapeutic use*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Anticoagulants
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Coumarins