Bio-Active Schiff Bases: A Short Review

Abstract

Due to the numerous biological and medicinal applications for these compounds, medicinal chemistry and Schiff base chemistry have garnered a lot of interest. Schiff bases are chemical compounds that typically have an azomethine (–C=N–) functional group that is created when primary amines and aldehydes or ketones condense. Significant biological potential and exceptional structural flexibility are imparted by the imine bond and several substituent groups. The antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitubercular, and anticancer properties of bio-active Schiff bases and their metal complexes have made them attractive candidates in pharmaceutical and medical research in recent years. Their pharmacological characteristics and biological efficacy are further improved by their capacity to coordinate with transition metal ions.

Primary biological activities of bio-active Schiff bases described in recent literature are highlighted in this review. Their therapeutic significance, mode of action, and uses in coordination chemistry and drug development are given particular attention. The role of Schiff base derivatives as chelating agents, enzyme inhibitors, and possible leads for the creation of new medications is also briefly covered in the review. Schiff bases remain an important family of molecules in contemporary medicinal chemistry and bioinorganic research because of their easy synthesis, structural variety, and wide range of biological activity.