Review Paper:
Decoding Scopoletin:
A Comprehensive Review
Agrawal Krishn Kumar, Deshwal Rahul, Murti Yogesh and Singh Sunil Pratap
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 21(2); 298-309;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/212rjbt2980309; (2026)
Abstract
A naturally occurring coumarin chemical, scopoletin is present in many plants such
as passion flower, stinging nettle and chicory. It has a wide range of biological
activities including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer
properties. In silico studies have shown that scopoletin can interact with a number
of different proteins including enzymes, receptors and nucleic acids. This suggests
that scopoletin may have a number of different mechanisms of action. In vitro studies
have shown that scopoletin can inhibit the growth of a variety of bacteria, fungi
and viruses. It can also reduce inflammation, it can protect cells from oxidative
damage and it can kill cancer cells. In vivo studies have shown that scopoletin
can reduce blood pressure, it can improve blood sugar control and it can protect
against liver damage. It has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of
a number of other conditions, including anxiety, depression and pain.
Overall, the results of in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that scopoletin
has a number of potential therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, further investigation
is required to comprehensively comprehend the processes by which scopoletin operates.
