Chemistry and Pharmacological Potential of Oxindole Nucleus: A Review

Oxindoles are endogenous compounds found in mammalian body fluids and tissues, which possess diverse types of pharmacological activities such as anti-proliferative, anti-HIV, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and anti-hypertensive, making the oxindole nucleus and its derivatives a molecule of medical importance. The oxindole nucleus-containing natural products are abundantly available in plant-derived natural products, especially alkaloids, which have provoked their use in drug discovery. The medicinal properties, easy synthesis, and feasibility for modification at diverse sites make it very suitable for drug design and development. This review shows the oxindole nucleus's general chemistry and pharmacological potential. It concisely summarizes the various biological functions of the essential oxindole scaffold and its derivatives explored in drug discovery. It also aids in establishing a drug-designing basis for diverse types of biological activities.