Recent advances and therapeutic journey of coumarins: current status and perspectives

Coumarins are oxygen-containing molecules with specific benzopyrone nucleus. Different coumarins are identified as antineurodegeneratives, anticoagulants, antioxidants, antimicrobials, anticancers, antivirals, antidiabetics, antidepressants, supramoleculars, antiparasitics, anti-inflammatory, analgesics, biological stains, pathological probes and diagnostics. Coumarins have received more attention as compared to 1-azacoumarins. Many attempts have been made for the comparison of both the systems at different stages to discover novel synthetic methodologies, reactivity strategies and biological activities. Translation of current knowledge into novel potent lead compounds and repositioning of well-known compounds for the treatment of different acute and chronic diseases are the current challenges of coumarins. This review article focusses on the occurence, synthesis and specific biological activities of various coumarin derivatives. Some novel research approaches are also described for the discovery and development of new synthetic strategies that could help in structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of coumarins involved in SAR studies are also described.