Characterization of anti-coagulant properties of prenylated coumarin ferulenol.

We investigated the mechanisms underlying severe bleeding occurring upon consumption of Ferula communis. The prenylated coumarin ferulenol extracted from this plant did not directly affect blood coagulation but showed hepatocyte cytotoxicity and, at non-cytotoxic concentrations (<100 nM), impaired factor X biosynthesis (40% reduction). Studies with ferulenol derivatives indicated the prenyl residue as major determinant of ferulenol activity.