Natural occurrence and biological activity of various coumarin derivatives

Coumarins are members of the benzopyrones family of compounds. Various coumarin derivatives are biologically active anddisplay pharmaceutical and medicinal properties. Coumarin is a secondary metabolite that is naturally present in a variety of plants as well as essential oils. It is found in relatively high concentrations. Due to the easy availability and biological activity of coumarin derivatives, many chemists have focused their attention on isolating from plants and characterizing and synthesizingcoumarin derivatives in the laboratory. The diversity-oriented synthetic routes have resulted in the production of interestingderivatives, such as furanocoumarins, coumarin sulfamates (Coumates) and pyranocoumarins. These derivatives are useful inantitumor, anti-HIV therapy and photo-chemotherapy, as well as stimulants for the central nervous system, anti-bacterials, dyes, anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulants. This review aims to explain the occurrence, biological activities, and characterization of different coumarin derivatives. Keywords: Natural occurrence, biological activity and chracterisation