Natural coumarins as anti-diabetic agents: Mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and amelioration of diabetic complications

Coumarins, a diverse class of naturally occurring secondary metabolites, have attracted significant attention for their therapeutic potential in managing metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes mellitus (DM). Their multifaceted actions, including enzyme inhibition, modulation of signaling pathways, and antioxidant effects, position them as promising candidates for antidiabetic drug discovery.

This review comprehensively summarizes the antidiabetic potential of natural coumarins, focusing on their biological targets, mechanisms of action, and ability to ameliorate diabetes-related complications.

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published up to June 2025. The search terms included coumarins, antidiabetic activity, α-glucosidase inhibition, PTP1B inhibition, AMPK activation, GSK-3β inhibition, and AGE inhibition. Original research articles involving in vitro, in vivo, or clinical investigations were included. Searches were refined using Boolean operators (AND/OR), and the review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to maintain methodological rigor.

Natural coumarins showed antidiabetic effects through several mechanisms: α-glucosidase inhibition reduced postprandial hyperglycemia; PTP1B inhibition enhanced insulin signaling; GSK-3β modulation promoted glycogen synthesis; and SGLT1/2 inhibition lowered renal glucose reabsorption. Activation of AMPK improved insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, while PPAR activation enhanced lipid and glucose metabolism.Coumarins also reduced oxidative stress and advanced glycation end-products, helping prevent diabetic complications. Structural modifications such as hydroxylation, methoxylation, and prenylation influenced activity against their respective targets and pathways, and in vivo studies confirmed improved glycemic control, better lipid profiles, and protection against nephropathy and cardiomyopathy.