umbelliferone

Umbelliferone is a naturally occurring **coumarin derivative**, chemically known as **7-hydroxycoumarin**. It is found in many plants, especially those in the Umbelliferae and Rutaceae families. As a plant secondary metabolite, **umbelliferone displays a broad range of biological activities** and is used in research, cosmetics, and potentially as a therapeutic agent. It is known for its **antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antitumor, and neuroprotective** properties[3][5][7]. Mechanistically, umbelliferone acts as a **potent inhibitor of type 3 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase**, impacting steroid metabolism[1], and **inhibits oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis** in biological systems[7]. It also has uses in industry, including as a UV filter in sunscreens, fluorescent probe, optical brightener, and dye laser component[1][5]. Umbelliferone is not approved as a pharmaceutical drug but is widely studied for its therapeutic potential in diseases like diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory diseases[3][7].

Other names

7-hydroxycoumarinhydrangin7-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-oneskimmetineombelliférone7-hydroxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one