Dicoumarol: from chemistry to antitumor benefits

Abstract

Dicoumarol, a coumarin-like compound, is known for its anticoagulant properties associated with the ability to inhibit vitamin K, being prescribed as a drug for several decades. The pharmaceutical value of dicoumarol turned it into a focus of chemists’ attention, aiming its synthesis and of dicoumarol derivatives, bringing to light new methodologies. In recent years, several other bioactive effects have been claimed for dicoumarol and its derivatives, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer, although the mechanisms of action underlying them are mostly not disclosed and additional research is needed to unravel them. This review presents a state of the art on the chemistry of dicoumarols, and their potential anticancer characteristics, highlighting the mechanisms of action elucidated so far. In parallel, we draw attention to the lack of in vivo studies and clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy as drugs for later application.

Unveiling the antitumor potential of novel N-(substituted-phenyl)-8-methoxycoumarin-3-carboxamides as dual inhibitors of VEGFR2 kinase and cytochrome P450 for targeted treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Some studies have shown that scopoletin exhibits anti-liver cancer activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis in liver cancer cells (Wang et al, 2012;Sabeel et al, 2023). Dicoumarol is a naturally occurring coumarin analogue found in various plant species (Silva et al, 2022). It has been reported to possess anti-liver cancer activity by inhibiting the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) enzyme, which is involved in tumor growth and survival pathways (Cullen et al, 2003).…”

Triethylammonium salt of a synthesized dicoumarol: Structural insight and human anti-glioblastoma activities

“…Coumarin and its derivatives are among the most active classes of compounds, with a wide range of biological actions [ [4] , [5] , [6] , [7] ]. Many of these compounds have proven to be active as antibacterial [ 8 ].…”