Oxyprenylated Secondary Metabolites as Modulators of Lipid and Sugar Metabolism.

O-Prenylcoumarins (3,3-dimethylallyl, geranyl-, farnesyl- and related biosynthetic derivatives) represent a class of rarely occurring natural compounds. The most part of these secondary metabolites have been obtained from plant species belonging to the Rutaceae, Apiaceae, andFabaceae families, and from fungi, and bacteria. In the last two decades prenyloxycoumarinshave been found to possess a great potential in terms of pharmacological activities. The aim of this comprehensive review is to make a survey of the in so far reported literature citations about these valuable phytochemicals and structurally related compounds about their modulatory properties of lipid and sugar metabolism. Literature data have been acquired from the main Internet database. Several oxyprenylated secondary metabolites have been surveyed. Among these prenyloxycoumarins represented the main group exerting displayed valuable effects as modulators of lipid and sugar metabolism. The title phytochemicals have been found in common edible and fruits vegetables already known to have beneficial effects to this concern, thus enforcing the nutraceutical role of these food plants. All compounds outlined in the present review article have a great potential for the next future for the prevention and management of acute and chronic metabolic disorders.