OXYGEN & NITROGEN CONTAINING HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS: A BOON FOR ANTINEOPLASTIC RESEARCHES

Heterocyclic compounds have emerged as a focal point in medicinal and biological research due to their diverse applications. Their unique structures, often incorporating atoms like nitrogen, oxygen, or sulphur within their rings, offer a wide range of potential therapeutic properties. These compounds form the backbone of over 90% of novel drugs, bridging the gap between chemistry and biology. Their versatility extends to pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and veterinary products. Heterocyclic compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, anthelmintic, antipyretic, anti-allergic, anti-histamine, herbicidal, anticancer, antihypertensive, and anti-leprosy effects. Beyond the existing market, numerous heterocyclic compounds are currently under investigation for their promising potential against various malignancies. Oxygen based heterocycles (Oxazole) serve as the foundational structures of numerous biologically active compounds and FDA-approved drugs. While nitrogen-based heterocycles have been extensively explored as potential anticancer agents, there is growing interest in oxygen and nitrogen-based heterocycles as a promising avenue for innovative drug discovery. Fusing multiple heterocyclic rings together is a common strategy to enhance the biological properties of molecules. Despite advancements in anticancer therapies like 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and daunorubicin, cancer remains a significant health challenge. Apart from these various nitrogen containing compounds and derivatives like quinolines have also marked their presence in the anticancer treatments. Novel fused heterocycle derivatives have been synthesized or are under progress. To address this, researchers are actively exploring the synthesis of novel fused and spiro heterocyclic compounds, aiming to identify potent anticancer agents with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.