The Chemistry and Pharmacology of Tetrahydropyridines: Part 2

Tetrahydropyridines (THPs) have sparked notable interest as an auspicious heterocyclic moiety. Existing in distinct structural isomers including 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine, 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridine, its presence has been identified in both natural products and synthetic pharmaceutical agents. Many THP-containing compounds have been synthesized by the inspiration of known bioactive natural products and have been found to possess biologically active properties. For this reason, more innovative methods have been developed for the synthesis of substituted-tetrahydropyridine derivatives and their pharmacological activities have been determined. This review article is written to provide an overview which is a continuation of the former article by Redda et al. entitled, “The Chemistry and Pharmacology of Tetrahydropyridines”. This review aims to highlight the research progress accomplished thus far and to increase the database for structure activity relationship (SAR) studies. Special attention is given to the introduction of varied substituents onto the THP ring system and its redolent effect on their pharmacological properties, specifically as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. Thus, the use of SAR studies of newly reported THP derivatives will help shed light on the significance of utilizing THP-containing motifs as lead compounds in drug discovery and design.