Synthetic approaches and therapeutic potential of thiophene derivatives as COX and LOX inhibitors.

Thiophene derivatives have gained considerable interest lately due to their potential as anti-inflammatory agents. Their structural flexibility and capacity to interact with key enzymes involved in inflammatory processes position them as promising candidates for drug development. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research, focusing on the synthesis and therapeutic evaluation of thiophene-based compounds that act as inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. It discusses synthetic methodologies, structure-activity relationship (SAR) patterns, and the biological activities of these compounds, with a particular focus on those demonstrating dual COX/LOX inhibition. By consolidating recent findings, the review aims to enhance ongoing efforts to develop more effective and safer anti-inflammatory agents that utilize thiophene as a core scaffold. By summarizing research data from 2018 to 2025 using databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, this review article aims to contribute to the development of novel lead molecules, offer promising avenues for future drug discovery, and therapeutic innovation in inflammation-related diseases.