REVIEW ON SCOPOLETIN: A PHENOLIC COUMARIN WITH ITS MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Scopoletin (7-hydroxy-6-methoxy coumarin) is a phenolic coumarin isolated from many plants, known as an important compound of the phytoalexin group. This article is created to provide information regarding the synthesis and pharmacological activity of scopoletin. Scopoletin has been found in many plant species and isolated from various parts of the plant (roots, fruits, leaves, stems, etc.) such as Morinda citrifolia, Aegle marmelos, Erycibe obtusifolia Benth, Lasianthus lucidus Blume, Melia azedarach L., Sinomonium acutum, Convolvulus prostratus, and Solanum lyratum, etc. which all possess a number of medicinal properties. Its various pharmacological activities have been reported through a number of investigations. It is reported that such compounds produced specific biological activities and possible health implications for humans in food and medicine. Pharmacological activities that are established in-vivo are antithyroid, antihypertensive, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, neuro-logical, anti-dopaminergic and anti-adrenergic, antidiabetic drug, and anti-hyperuricemic activities. Based on in-vitro studies, scopoletin has pharmacological activities, including an antihepatotoxicity, antibacterial, antifungal, antitubercular, and antioxidant.  From the assorted pharmaco-logical activities of scopoletin, it has the potential to be further developed.