Coumarins as potential antidiabetic agents

Abstract

Objectives Even with great advances in modern medicine and therapeutic agent development, the search for effective antidiabetic drugs remains challenging. Coumarins are secondary metabolites found widely in nature plants and used mainly in anticoagulation and antithrombotic therapy. Over the past two decades, however, there has been an increasing body of literatures related to the effects of coumarins and their derivatives on diabetes and its complications. This review aimed to focus on research findings concerning the effects of coumarins against diabetes and its complications using in-vitro and in-vivo animal models, and also to discuss cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Key findings The search for new coumarins against diabetes and it complications, either isolated from traditional medicine or chemically synthesized, has been constantly expanding. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved include protecting pancreatic beta cells from damage, improving abnormal insulin signalling, reducing oxidative stress/inflammation, activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), inhibiting a-glucosidases and ameliorating diabetic complications. Conclusions The effects and mechanisms of coumarins and their derivatives upon diabetes and its complications are discussed in current review. Further investigations remain to be carried out to develop a promising antidiabetic agent based on coumarin cores.

Antidiabetic potential of Musa spp. inflorescence: a systematic review

“…For example, syringin isolated from Eleutherococcus senticosus presented hypoglycaemic action in diabetic rats induced by streptozocin . Further, many natural triterpenoids and coumarins appear to have promising antidiabetic properties and may be used for the prevention of diabetic complications …”

“…[46] Further, many natural triterpenoids and coumarins appear to have promising antidiabetic properties and may be used for the prevention of diabetic complications. [25,47] The effects of hyperglycaemia, resulting from insufficient secretion of insulin or insulin resistance, are possibly attributed to progressive b-cell failure. In untreated diabetic rats, dilatation and degranulation in islet cells has been detected, when compared to a normal control group.…”

Protective effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Trifolium pratense L. on pancreatic β cell line (RIN-5F) against cytotoxicty of streptozotocin

“…Also, plant extracts containing coumarins, secondary metabolites found widely in nature plants, exhibited antidiabetic activity. Both natural coumarins and coumarin derivatives have been reported to exhibit a promising therapeutic effect on diabetes and its complications due to repairing pancreatic β cells damage, improving insulin signaling and providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidative protection( 23 ). The anti-diabetic activity of tyramine extracted from leaves of Cissus verticilllata was reported, in diabetic rats.…”

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“…Medical effects of this extract cannot be attributed solely to one matter, however Coumarin is known as an active ingredient. Coumarin is a phenolic substance which various derivatives of its have anti-inflammatory [15], anti-cancer [16] and anti-diabetic activities [17]. In previous our study, electrospun nanofibers of Cs/PEO loaded with Semellil extract were prepared to use as wound dressing, and it was optimized in terms of structure and drug delivery [18].…”