Chalepin and Chalepensin: Occurrence, Biosynthesis and Therapeutic Potential

Dihydrofuranocoumarin, chalepin (1) and furanocoumarin, chalepensin (2) are 3-prenylated bioactive coumarins, first isolated from the well-known medicinal plant Ruta chalepensis L. (Fam: Rutaceae) but also distributed in various species of genera Boenminghausenia, Clausena Ruta. The distribution these compounds appears to be restricted plants family Rutaceae. To date, there have been a considerable number bioactivity studies performed on coumarins 1 2, which include their anticancer, antidiabetic, antifertility, antimicrobial, antiplatelet aggregation, antiprotozoal, antiviral calcium antagonistic properties. This review article presents critical appraisal publications light feasibility as novel therapeutic agents investigate natural kingdom, well plausible biosynthetic route.