Abstract

Scaffolds of metal-based compounds can act as pharmacophore groups in several ligands to treat various diseases, including tropical infectious diseases (TID). In this review article, we investigate the contribution of these moieties to medicinal inorganic chemistry in the last seven years against TID, including American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), human African trypanosomiasis (HAT, sleeping sickness), leishmania, and malaria. The most potent metal-based complexes are displayed and highlighted in figures, tables and graphics; according to their pharmacological activities (IC₅₀ > 10μM) against Trypanosomatids and Plasmodium spp parasites. We highlight the current progresses and viewpoints of these metal-based complexes, with a specific focus on drug discovery.

Keywords: Metal-based drugs, new drugs, T. cruzi, T. brucei, Leishmania, Plasmodium ssp.