COUMARINS AS PROMISING ANTICANCER AGENTS: A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF MECHANISMS AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Siddhi Koyate*, Dr. Vijaykumar Wakale

ABSTRACT

Cancer continues to represent a major global health burden, necessitating the discovery of therapeutic agents with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity. Coumarin and its derivatives, classified as benzopyrone-based natural compounds, have emerged as promising candidates due to their diverse pharmacological activities, particularly their anticancer potential. These molecules exert their effects through multiple cellular mechanisms, including modulation of apoptotic pathways, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, interference with oncogenic signaling networks, and enhancement of responses to standard chemotherapeutic agents. Key derivatives such as osthol, dicoumarol, and biscoumarins have demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against a variety of malignancies, including colon, gastric, melanoma, and hematological cancers. Additionally, combining natural substances like curcumin in a synergistic way may enhance therapeutic results. The latest developments, molecular understandings, safety concerns, and potential applications of coumarin-based anticancer treatments are compiled in this review.

Keywords: Coumarin derivatives, Anticancer activity, Osthol, Dicoumarol, Apoptosis.