Antioxidant, Xanthine Oxidase and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitory Potential of Coumarins: A Review

Excessive and persistent formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) is a key factor in the origin of cancer, cardiac problems, inflammatory diseases, multiple organ dysfunction, aging and neurogenerative diseases. These ROS are produced from exogenous sources (ionizing radiation, chemicals and contaminants) and endogenous sources (Enzymes like Xanthine Oxidase and Monoamine Oxidase) which further originate a number of diseases along with genetic mutation. Due to the persistent side effects of synthetic antioxidants, there is flow towards naturally driven antioxidants as a large number of dietary supplements possess antioxidant potential. Coumarins are naturally occurring benzopyrones found in a variety of natural plants and exhibit different pharmacological properties. Among these activities the antioxidant potential of coumarins has been extensively studied that has been reviewed in this paper.