Anticancer activity of hydrazones in the last quinquennial period: A special emphasis on various enzyme targets and SAR

Abstract

A versatile class of organic compounds, hydrazones are known to contribute noteworthy therapeutic effect, mainly in enzyme inhibition. Their structural flexibility and capability to form stable coordination complexes make them promising candidates for drug development. This review describes the position of hydrazones as potent enzyme inhibitors, emphasizing on their anticancer activity. Various hydrazones have established inhibitory effects on key enzymes such as tyrosine kinases, topoisomerases, and lysine specific demethylase, which are crucial targets in cancer therapy. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies indicate that modifications to the hydrazone core, substituents on the aryl or heterocyclic rings and electronic effects play a critical role in enhancing their potency and selectivity. In order to provide insights for future drug design techniques, this study offers a thorough explanation of the recent developments in hydrazone chemistry, enzyme inhibition mechanisms and SAR discoveries. This work summarizes important findings from recent studies aiming to help researchers optimize hydrazone scaffolds for reduced toxicity and improved efficacy in cancer treatment, considering their potential as new enzyme-targeting anticancer drugs.

Keywords: Anti-cancer; Hybrid molecules; Hydrazone; Structure activity relationship.