Organoselenium and organotellurium compounds: Toxicology and pharmacology

The advance in the area of synthesis and reactivity of organoselenium and organotellurium compounds, as well as the discovery of the toxic properties of selenium compounds in the 1930s and the subsequent discovery that selenium is an essential trace element in the diet, has prompted wide range of studies of the biological properties of both organic and inorganic selenium compounds. This review covers the toxicological and pharmacological effects of a variety of organoselenium and organotellurium compounds. With regard to pharmacology, the organoselenium and organotellurium compounds are described as promising pharmacological agents in view of their unique biological properties. Some of the properties covered include glutathione peroxidase mimic, antioxidant activity, and thioredoxin reductase inhibition.