6,7-Dihydroxycoumarin (also known as esculetin or aesculetin) is an important pharmaceutical intermediate, primarily used for the synthesis of the antiasthmatic drug dimethoxycoumarin. It possesses notable pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, antiasthmatic, expectorant, and antitussive effects, particularly demonstrating inhibitory activity against Shigella species. Clinically, it is commonly used in the treatment of acute bacillary dysentery and chronic bronchitis.