Recent Perspectives on Anticancer Potential of Coumarin Against Different Human Malignancies: An Updated Review

Coumarins, a group of naturally occurring compounds, have been reported to demonstrate anticancer potential. These substances, distinguished by their combined benzene and α-pyrone rings, have been demonstrated to impact multiple cellular mechanisms essential for the initiation and advancement of cancer. These agents work in different ways that prevent different tumor cells from growing, spreading, and increasing. One of the main anticancer mechanisms of coumarin act is killing cancer cells through apoptosis. This includes changes to pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2 and Bax, the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and the activation of caspases. The tumor suppressor protein p53's expression has been discovered to be upregulated by coumarins such as esculetin and imperatorin, which encourage interrupted cell cycle and death. Additionally, coumarin has anti-angiogenic qualities, which are critical for the development and spread of tumors. It can slow the development of new blood vessels that feed tumors by inhibiting the “vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)” route of signaling. Coumarins inhibit the number of signaling pathways that are vital for cell division. For example, they can suppress the “PI3K/mTOR” pathway, which usually impairs the cancer cells and results in decreased cell viability and growth. Finally, coumarins could modulate the response of the immune system to cancerous cells. They have the ability to boost the activity of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which aid the immune system in identifying and eliminating cancer cells. Through a variety of mechanisms, such as immune response regulation, angiogenesis reduction, cell growth inhibition, and apoptosis activation, coumarins exhibit their anticancer effects. These molecular pathways demonstrate coumarins' potential as an interesting option for the development of novel anticancer treatments. More studies are needed to completely understand their modes of action and maximize their therapeutic efficacy. © 2024 The Author(s). Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.