Recent advances and therapeutic journey of pyridine-based Cu(II) complexes as potent anticancer agents: a review (2015–2022)

Pyridine derivatives are heterocyclic compounds that play a significant role in various fields. Pyridine derivatives have excellent biological activities such as antiviral, antiarthritic, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antithrombotic, ulcerogenic, antiglycation, antifungal, antioxidant, analgesic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiparkinsonian activity. However, most organic compounds have limited bioavailability due to their rapid metabolism, low-intestinal absorption, and hydrophobic nature. Therefore, it is very important to enhance the solubility and bioavailability to increase the pharmacological effects of these active compounds. One strategy is the complexation of these compounds with various metal ions to avoid such problems. Pyridine can coordinate with different metals, especially with Cu(II), and forms stable complexes, which may show greater effects than pyridine alone. Pyridine-based Cu(II) complexes have excellent anticancer potency against various cancer cell lines. The present review provides insight into some of the diverse actions of Cu(II) complexes of pyridine derivatives and demonstrates the strong future for these active compounds as potential anticancer agents.