Coumarins from nature to nurture: A sustainable resource for drug discovery and beyond

Coumarins, a class of benzopyrone derivatives predominantly found in plants, have garnered extensive scientific interest for their broad-spectrum biological activities and promising applications across pharmaceutical, agricultural, and cosmetic sectors. Their historical use in traditional medicine, combined with modern evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, positions coumarins as valuable natural scaffolds for drug development and sustainability-driven innovation. This review explores the natural diversity, biosynthesis, biological activities, and sustainable development strategies associated with coumarins. Emphasis is placed on their role in modern pharmacology, the advances in synthetic biology, and their applications within the context of environmental conservation and green chemistry. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using peer-reviewed literature obtained from major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Key topics include coumarin biosynthesis, plant and microbial sources, traditional and modern applications, and sustainability practices related to their extraction and commercialization. Coumarins demonstrate potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, many of which are linked to structural variations in their core scaffold. Advances in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology have enabled scalable production and derivatization. Coumarin-based compounds are increasingly being applied in skincare formulations, eco-friendly agrochemicals, and as templates in drug discovery. Ethical sourcing, conservation strategies, and regulatory frameworks play critical roles in ensuring sustainable utilization. Coumarins exemplify the convergence of natural product chemistry and sustainable innovation. Their structural diversity, bioactivity, and multifaceted applications underscore their importance in both traditional and modern contexts. Future research should focus on biosynthetic optimization, novel therapeutic targeting, and integration into circular bioeconomy frameworks to maximize their scientific and societal impact.