# Coumarins and Their Derivatives in Animal Models of Asthma: A Systematic Review

## TL;DR

This review explores how coumarin compounds, like imperatorin and osthole, may help manage asthma by reducing inflammation and improving airway function in animal models.

## Contribution

The paper systematically reviews recent evidence on the antiasthmatic potential of coumarins, particularly imperatorin and osthole, in animal models.

## Key findings

- Coumarins like imperatorin and osthole reduce inflammation and Th2 cytokine release in asthma models.
- These compounds relax airway smooth muscle and modulate immune responses through Th1 cells and macrophages.
- Findings suggest coumarins could serve as molecular scaffolds for future asthma therapies.

## Abstract

Asthma is a serious global health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disease characterized by inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway remodelling. Compounds from the coumarin class have been extensively documented in the literature as promising agents for asthma treatment. This review highlights the potential of coumarins and their effects in animal models of asthma. Articles from the past 10 years (2014–2024) were selected according to the guidelines of the PRISMA from the PubMed, Virtual Health Library (BVS) and ScienceDirect databases. The search strategy utilized descriptors from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and Descriptors in Health Sciences (DeCS) databases. Were selected 18 articles after applying the inclusion criteria: full‐text articles published in English and Portuguese, freely accessible and investigating coumarins and their derivatives with antiasthmatic activity. The coumarins most explored by the authors were imperatorin and osthole, and the results showed that these coumarins relax airway smooth muscle, reduce inflammation and the release of Th2 cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 and increase protection against inflammation through pro‐inflammatory cells, Th1, macrophages and dendritic cells. Thus, it is concluded that coumarins and their effects, particularly imperatorin and osthole, present a promising potential in asthma management and could serve as important molecular scaffolds for future investigations.

Asthma is a chronic disease affecting millions of people worldwide, with no definitive cure, as symptoms reappear when treatment is discontinued. This study reviewed research from the past 10 years to evaluate the potential of coumarins, which are natural compounds found in plants, in the management of the disease. Among the most extensively investigated molecules, imperatorin and osthole stand out for their ability to reduce inflammation, relax airways and modulate immune responses. These findings suggest that coumarins are valuable candidates for developing novel therapies aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals with asthma.

Mast cells drive early allergic asthma by releasing histamine, interleukins and prostaglandins, causing airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus overproduction and inflammation. These events sustain symptoms and promote structural remodelling, contributing to the progression of the disease.