SUBSTITUTED COUMARIN AS PROMISING ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS - A REVIEW

K. U. Shaniba Mariyam*, P. Deepika, A. Sherin, M. K. Sirajudheen, C. M. Anagha and C. K. Thasneem

ABSTRACT

One of the main issues and the driving force behind developing a new class of antimicrobial drugs with potent activity compared to conventional therapy is the emergence of resistance by bacterial and fungal stains to existing antimicrobial agents. Coumarin or 2H-chromen-2-one is a well-known compound with a wide range of pharmacological properties in therapeutics. It exhibits anticoagulant, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial and antiulcer properties. The importance of coumarin and its derivatives in preventing antimicrobial resistance has been highlighted by recent research that demonstrates its potent antibacterial action. In the present paper, different coumarin derivatives and the effect of substituents on their antimicrobial activity were reviewed. The study showed that carboxylic and ester substituents in the coumarin can enhance antimicrobial activity whereas phenolic groups show reduced activity. Hence, the nature and position of substituents have a significant effect on the antimicrobial activity of coumarin.

Keywords: Coumarin, Coumarin derivatives, Antimicrobial activity.