Chalcones As Broad‐Spectrum Antimicrobial Agents: A Comprehensive Review And Analysis Of Their Antimicrobial Activities

Abstract

The rise of drug‐resistant microbes necessitates the development of new antimicrobial agents. Increasing resistance among multidrug‐resistant microbes has spurred research efforts to overcome drug resistance through novel scaffolds and strategies. Chalcones, distinguished by their chemical structure of 1,3‐diphenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one, have exhibited a multifaceted array of biological activities, prominently including antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Modifying the structure by adding substituent groups to the aromatic ring enhances potency, reduces toxicity, and expands pharmacological effects. This review highlights the potential of chalcones and analogues in preventing diseases affected by diverse antibiotic resistance genes, including viruses, bacteria, fungal spores, and Plasmodiidae. Our analysis underscores the fact that a multitude of chalcone compounds effectively obstruct various molecular targets pivotal in the development of antibiotic resistance, thus rendering bacteria vulnerable to conventional antibacterial agents and potentially obliterating resistance mechanisms. Certain chalcone compounds exhibit higher activity levels compared to traditional antibiotics like vancomycin and tetracycline. Additionally, Docking and SAR studies of chalcones summarize their role in developing novel drugs. Chalcones and their derivatives demonstrate promising broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activities. Investigating structure‐activity relationships (SAR) enhances our understanding of chalcone‐based drug design, enabling the development of more effective therapeutic interventions against the pressing global health challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Direct synthesis, characterization, in vitro and in silico studies of simple chalcones as potential antimicrobial and antileishmanial agents

“…Additionally, the amendment in the DNA order, inherent evolution and transference of the impervious genes through horizontal gene transport of bacterial cells are the noteworthy aspects responsible for AMR. Bearing in mind the genuine risk of AMR, the antimicrobial assays of the synthesized chalcones versus the chosen species of bacteria, fungi and leishmania were carried out [12,43]. A literature survey indicates that chalcone derivatives act as effective antimicrobial agents [44][45][46].…”

“…Moreover, chalcones are also known to behave as potential antifungal and antileishmanial agents. Chalcones and their analogues present probable solutions to overcome antimicrobial resistance, leading to worldwide health interventions [ 12 , 13 ]. Although chalcones have several medicinal uses, their comprehensive bioactivity spectrum displays an occasional target profiling, which presents a demanding role in their clinical usage.…”