Recent pharmacological insights about imidazole hybrids: a comprehensive review

Abstract

In this review, we evaluated the biological activities of hybrid molecules incorporating imidazoles—a cornerstone in medicinal chemistry known for their broad pharmacological spectrum, attributed to the chemical characteristics of their nitrogen atoms. In contrast to earlier reviews, which have concentrated their attention only on a single biological activity that is connected with these hybrid molecules, this review brings together the findings of a variety of investigations that cover a wide range of significant activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antituberculosis, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, along with the inhibition of cholinesterase, carbonic anhydrase, and monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes. Furthermore, we examined significant pharmacophores such as triazole, thiazole, indole, pyrazole, quinoline, sulfonamide, pyridine, chalcone, coumarin, pyrrole, and pyrrolidine, integrated into imidazole hybrids. Molecular docking studies and structure-activity relationship (SAR) discussions provide insight into the interactions of imidazole hybrids with key enzymes and receptors. This work aspires to contribute valuable insights into the development of novel imidazole hybrids, aiming to address critical health challenges of our era.