Novel insights into Schiff base complexes for anticancer and anti COVID therapeutic development

Organic compounds incorporating Schiff bases (SB) as a constitutional factor of their structures have recently garnered enthusiasm due to an assortment of intriguing biological features presented by such compounds. The condensation of primary amines with carbonyl groups yields Schiff bases, which are adaptable ligands. The fabrication of metal complexes involving Schiff bases as ligands seems intriguing owing to the potential to synthesize coordination molecules with unique structural and stability properties. Schiff base ligands have contributed substantially to the expansion of contemporary coordination chemistry as a consequence of their implementation in multi -disciplinary provinces. Owing to the presence of the –N=CH– moiety, Schiff base compounds have been studied from a multitude of therapeutic perspectives, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-proliferative and antiviral effects. In this review article, we have mainly focused on anti-cancerous and anti-COVID properties of Schiff base complexes, with particular attention to mechanism of action and future aspects. Here, a total of 80 different metal complexes have been investigated for their anti-COVID and anti-cancerous properties. Out of these, 45 different Schiff base complexes were specifically studied for anti-cancer potential. Eighteen Schiff base complexes have been reported to possess anti-COVID properties. Seventeen complexes demonstrated dual inhibitory action against COVID and cancer cells.