Imidazole Scaffold Based Compounds in the Development of Therapeutic Drugs

Imidazole has an important five-membered aromatic heterocyclic ring, which is available widely in natural products and synthetic molecules. The special structural characteristics of imidazole ring enable it to bind with a variety of enzymes and receptors through hydrogen bonds, coordination, ion-dipole and cation-pi interactions, hydrophobic effects, and Van der Waals forces. These interactions promote several biological activities involving anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties. Herein, we review and discuss recent developments in using imidazole derivatives and their special pharmacological activities for the treatment of various diseases.