Coordination metal complexes with Schiff bases: Useful pharmacophores with comprehensive biological applications

Antibiotic-resistant infections on the health care system and the population have put a burden on economic and adequate health. There is an urgent need to develop new synthetic moieties with a better and acceptable therapeutic index. Schiff bases and their complexes are versatile compounds synthesized from the condensation of an amino compound with carbonyl compounds. Schiff bases metal complexes are proven as potential candidates who show effective activity towards anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiproliferative, antimalarial, antipyretic, antiviral properties etc. The occurrence of basic donor N, S and O atoms in the skeleton of the Schiff base makes them well-suited ligands in coordinating chemistry. They are found to be a versatile pharmacophore for designing and developing many bioactive lead compounds. This review begins with a brief introduction to Schiff bases and their complexes. It summarizes the various biological activities (antimicrobial activities, antioxidant activities, DNA interactions, anticancer activities) delivered by Schiff base metal complexes. It also highlights the recent advancement in the field of Schiff base coordination chemistry and its future prospects as a potential bioactive core.