The more significant bioactivities of a variety of semicarbazones (anti-protozoa, anticonvulsant) and thiosemicarbazones (antibacterial, antifungal, antitumoral, antiviral) and their metal complexes are reviewed together with proposed mechanisms of action and structure-activity relationships. Clinical or potential pharmacological applications of these versatile compounds are discussed.
Keywords: Semicarbazones, thiosemicarbazones, biological activity, pharmacological applications, bioactive metal complexes, mechanisms of action