Coumarin: Chemical and Pharmacological Profile

Coumarins are classified as a member of the benzopyrone family. all of which consist of a benzene ring joined to a pyrone ring. The benzopyrones can be subdivided into the benzo-alfa-pyrones to which the coumarins belong and the benzo-gama-pyrones, of which the flavonoids are principal members. Umbelliferone, esculetin and scopoletin are the most widespread coumarins in nature. During the synthesis of these compounds ortho-hydroxylation should respectively take place on p-coumaric, caffeic and ferulic acid. The coumarins are of great interest due to their pharmacological properties. In particular, their physiological, bacteriostatic and anti-tumor activity makes these compounds attractive backbone derivatisation and screening as novel therapeutic agents.