1 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 40413, Punjab, India.
2 Department of Pharmaceutics, University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 40413, Punjab, India.
1* Email: yashpalsingh690@gmail.com (Corresponding Author)
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from either insufficient insulin production or poor insulin sensitivity. One of the most effective strategies to control DM is the inhibition of α-glucosidase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates into monosaccharides. α-Glucosidase inhibitors, such as acarbose, are commonly used to delay the absorption of glucose and reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. However, the adverse side effects and limited effectiveness of current α-glucosidase inhibitors have led researchers to explore novel compounds with improved pharmacological properties. Coumarins are a class of naturally occurring compounds found in various plants and are well-known for their beneficial effects on human health. Among the promising candidates, coumarin-based hybrids have emerged as potential therapeutic agents due to their diverse biological activities, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. The structural versatility of coumarins allows for the design of hybrid molecules by combining them with other bioactive scaffolds to enhance their pharmacological properties. Recent studies have indicated that coumarin derivatives exhibit significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, making them attractive candidates for the development of new antidiabetic drugs. By combining the coumarin scaffold with other bioactive groups such as flavonoids, peptides, or heterocycles, researchers aim to enhance both the efficacy and selectivity of these hybrids for α-glucosidase inhibition. In conclusion, coumarin-based hybrids represent a promising class of compounds for the management of diabetes mellitus, particularly in the context of α-glucosidase inhibition. With their potential to regulate blood glucose levels, coupled with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, these hybrids hold great promise as safer and more effective alternatives to existing α-glucosidase inhibitors. Future research and development in this area are likely to contribute significantly to the discovery of novel therapeutic agents for diabetes management, with the potential for improved patient outcomes and reduced side effects.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, α-Glucosidase, natural products, medicinal chemistry, SAR, biological activity.
How to cite this article: Rajput D, Singh YP, Thakur G, Arora G, Shefali S. Recent Advances in Coumarin-Based Hybrids as Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibitors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(5): 31-55. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.5.5
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Conflict of interest: None