Biological activity of metal ions complexes of chromones, coumarins and flavones

Abstract The medical properties of naturally occurring compounds such as chromones, flavonoids and coumarins have been well known for many years. However, the discovery that their complexes with metal ions are more effective than coumarins and flavonoids alone changed the course of drug research. Numerous studies showed that these complexes can be successfully used in a range of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, some bacterial infections or even cancers. In this account their role in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, like Huntington's disease, or in preventing conditions like heavy metal poisoning is discussed. The complexes can also influence the equilibrium of iron within a living organism, which is an important factor in the treatment of diseases like Friedreich ataxia and β-thalassemia.