A patent review of two fruitful decades (1997-2016) of Isocoumarin research

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Isocoumarins comprise a six-membered oxygen heterocycle (α-pyranone) along with one aromatic ring and are known to possess interesting biological properties. During the last two decade (1997–2016), isocoumarin chemistry has attracted attention due to its biological and pharmaceutical effects viz., anticancer, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antimalarial, and fungicidal effects.

Areas covered: This review covers the patents on the therapeutic activities of natural and synthetic isocoumarins over the last two decades (1997–2016). Moreover a number of international patents related to natural and synthetic isocoumarins along with their biological effects will be presented and discussed. Although a large number of patents have been published during the period of the review, the aim of this review is to focus on those important patents specifically related to microbial diseases, cancer, malaria, and diabetes.

Expert opinion: Isocoumarin and its synthetic analogs display a wide range of important pharmaceutical properties. Furthermore, isocoumarins have the potential to conjugate with other anticancer drugs which will synergistically increase the delivery and thus anticancer effects. Moreover, in order to get lead compounds, scientists should focus on the synthesis of halo and functionalized heterocyclic ring containing derivatives of isocoumarins as more potent drugs.

KEYWORDS:

• Isocoumarins
• anticancer
• antibacterial
• anti-diabetic
• fungicidal
• anti-inflammatory

Article highlights

• Isocoumarin analogs are a class of compound present in nature and can additionally be prepared chemically.

• This review describes biological properties and the progress of isocoumarin and its synthetic analogs for anticancer and antimicrobial potency over a last two decades (1997-2016) .

• Isocoumarins have been combined with other anticancer drugs for improved therapeutic effects.

• Isocoumarin and its synthetic analogs have great potential in the treatment of cancer, microbial diseases, malaria and diabetes.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Dedication

Dedicated to Professor Atta-ur-Rahman on the occasion of his 75^th birthday

Additional information

Funding

This paper has not been funded.