Furan, a five-membered aromatic heterocycle, has emerged as a core structural component in numerous pharmacologically active compounds. This review focuses on the biological activities associated with the furan ring and its derivatives, emphasizing its importance in modern drug discovery and development. Drawing upon recent scientific literature, this article highlights the role of the furan moiety in contributing to diverse therapeutic properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective activities. The presence of the furan ring often enhances binding affinity, selectivity, and overall pharmacokinetic profiles of drug candidates. The goal of this review is to consolidate current research findings to better understand the pharmacological significance of the furan scaffold and to provide insights for medicinal chemists aiming to design novel furan-based therapeutics with improved efficacy and safety.
Mhdia Elhadi Osman (Sun,) studied this question.