Coumarin (anhydride of o-coumaric acid) is white, crystalline lactone, obtainable naturally from several plants, such as tonka bean, lavender, sweet clover grass, strawberries, and cinnamon, or produced synthetically from an amino acid, phenylalanine. It is the principle of dicumarol which inhibits the hepatic synthesis of the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors.

1.Coumarin has antiviral effect

2.Coumarin has anti-tumor effect

3.Coumarin has anticoagulation effect

4.Effects on the cardiovascular system

5.Coumarin has photosensitization

6.Coumarin structure has good drug activity, such as antibacterial, anti - inflammatory, anti - cancer, anti - HIV

Coumarin is mainly used in perfumery blending of soaps and detergents. It is the main component of perfumery blending and can also be used as electroplating brightener.

In the field of medicine, coumarin and its derivatives have obvious biological activities and pharmacological effects on human body, such as anticoagulant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-osteoporosis, anti-hypertension, anti-cancer and so on.

Coumarin can also be used in tobacco to increase the natural aroma.