Linear furanocoumarins: Bridging natural wisdom and synthetic ingenuity in drug discovery

Abstract

Coumarins, renowned for their adaptability and therapeutic potential, have emerged as a cornerstone in modern drug development. Nature contains these products, and scientists synthesize them in the lab, in addition to having a simple structure that can be modified in a lot of ways, which makes them excellent at therapy with few side effects. Adding other heterocycles, like furan rings, to a coumarin framework has been documented in many studies to make new annulates that are better at treating illnesses. This review looks at how to make linearly annulated coumarin-furan systems, where they come from natural and synthetic origins, and what they can do as therapeutic alternatives. Because they can improve bioavailability and pharmacological activity, linear furanocoumarins have a lot of potential as antioxidants, pain relievers, blood thinners, and even cancer fighters. Rich sources such as the Apiaceae and Rutaceae plant families continue to provide a diverse array of these annulated compounds with applications ranging from diabetes management to cardiovascular and neuroprotective treatments. Drawing from a comprehensive review of over 227 studies, this work sheds light on the structure-activity relationships that drive these compounds' efficacy. Finally, this review can help medicinal chemists and researchers come up with new medicines that use the unique benefits of linear furanocoumarin frameworks. Exploring these versatile molecules can lead to innovative treatments that have the potential to transform the future of medicine.