Coumarin derivatives are also prime oral anticoagulants. They exhibit therapeutic effect by acting as competitive inhibitors in the coagulation cascade pathway. They inhibit the function of vitamin K which is required for the biosynthesis of prothrombin.

What do coumarins do in the body?

One of the current coumarin uses includes the synthesis of anticoagulant drugs like warfarin and Coumadin. Coumarin has been shown to reduce inflammation, prevent the buildup of lymph fluid under the skin and increase levels of antithrombin, a protein involved in blood clotting.

What is the mechanism of action of coumarins?

Coumarins are competitive inhibitors of vitamin K in the biosynthesis of prothrombin. The coagulation cascade relies on the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin in a very important step. However, this conversion depends on the presence of 10 g-carboxyglutamic acid (GLA) residues in the N-terminus of prothrombin.