A Comprehensive Review on Chalcones: Preparation Methods, Reactions and Their Biological Activities

Despite their discovery in the early nineteenth century, chalcone compounds have evolved and played a significant role in medical and industrial applications. The most important feature of these compounds is that they contain two active groups (C=O and C=C), which give high biological effectiveness to pharmaceutical compounds. In both their synthetic and natural forms, chalcones have demonstrated a variety of biological properties, including antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antimitotic, antimalarial, and antiviral properties. This review included preparation methods, cofactors used, chemical reactions, and biological applications for the last years.