Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity of Amino Acid Derived Schiff Bases and their Metal Complexes – A Review

Abstract

Simple condensation of an aldehyde or ketone with a primary amine, also known as an azomethine or an imine (-HC=N-) bond, forms Schiff bases. Amino acids are organic compounds comprising a single carbon atom, known as α -a carbon atom, along with an amino group (-NH₂) and a carboxylic acid group(-COOH). Cancer leads to millions of deaths worldwide and is expected to increase by 12.8 percent in 2025 compared to 2020. Additionally, our body needs antioxidants to reduce harmful diseases, eliminate free radicals, and prevent oxidation. Schiff bases derived complexes tried to improve biological activity. A novel class of Schiff bases generated from amino acids and their metal complexes exhibits an enhanced broad spectrum of pharmacological actions. Their most significant medical applications include antibacterial, antifungal (including anti-yeast), antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antimalarial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anesthetic properties. The finds of Schiff bases derived amino acids, and their complexes provide a range of activity rate that depends on their orientation and metal atom. They need to be exposed further to other biological studies. The review includes synthesizing, characterizing, and analyzing anticancer and antioxidant activity compounds. On critical evaluation, we established that these studies show some effect on therapy and lower the risk of diseases.