From Molecules to Medicine: The Remarkable Pharmacological Odyssey of Quinoline and It's Derivatives

Abstract

Quinoline, a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic molecule, has emerged as an important scaffold in medicinal chemistry due to its diverse pharmacological effects. The fused quinazoline nucleus in particular has garnered attention for its potent properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticonvulsant effects. The mechanism of action of these quinoline derivatives is specific to their pharmacological activity. Researchers have studied the chemical and pharmacological properties of quinoline derivatives extensively, with a focus on their anticancer activity. Their ability to bind with DNA, impede DNA synthesis, and cause oxidative stress has made them promising candidates for cancer therapy. The quinoline nucleus's unique chemical structure and flexibility of substituents provide a vital component in drug discovery research. This review article provides a comprehensive synthesis of the chemical and pharmacological properties of quinoline derivatives. The study highlights the immense potentiality of this ring system and their pharmacological scaffold. The review covers the diverse biological activity of quinoline derivatives and their mechanism of action, including their effects on DNA synthesis, cell division, virus replication, adhesion to host cells, cytokine generation, gene modulation, free radical scavenging, and neurotransmitter activation. The ability to modify the quinoline nucleus with different substituents around the centroid has made it a privileged scaffold for researchers to work with. Researchers have created novel therapeutic compounds with improved pharmacological characteristics, leading to innovative therapies for various disorders. Further research into synthesis, reactions, and pharmacological effects of quinoline derivatives can pave the way for the development of new drugs. The article specifically focuses on the anticancer activity of quinoline derivatives, highlighting their potential as a viable clinical candidate for cancer therapy. The review emphasizes the importance of the quinoline nucleus as a key scaffold for drug discovery research and encourages further exploration of its chemical and pharmacological properties. In conclusion, this review article provides a comprehensive overview of the immense potential of quinoline derivatives and their significance in medicinal chemistry research.