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This review investigates the emerging field of Schiff base complexes (SBCs) of glycine, emphasizing their growing significance in biological systems. Coordination chemistry, particularly metal-ligand interactions, has gained increasing attention for its role in developing metal-based therapeutic agents that offer targeted action while minimizing side effects. The main focus of this review is glycine-derived Schiff base complexes, noted for their unique ligand frameworks surrounding the metal ion, which have become integral to modern medicinal chemistry. These complexes serve as oxygen transporters, catalysts, and drug molecules in the treatment of numerous diseases, including diabetes, microbial infections, and cancers etc. The choice of both the ligand and metal center is crucial in defining their pharmacological efficiency with Schiff bases, standing out due to their structural versatility and therapeutic potential. This review covers mainly on glycine-based SBCs reported over the last decade (2015–2025), highlighting their synthesis, structural features, and functional roles in metal-ligand chemistry. It also addresses the pharmacological importance of d-block metal cations, emphasizing their pivotal roles in maintaining health and managing disease. By surveying a wide range of recent literature, this review demonstrates the substantial impact of glycine-based SBCs in bioinorganic chemistry, mainly in antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant applications. The insights explored aim to deepen the understanding of metal–ligand interactions in biological contexts and support the progress of novel metal-based therapeutic agents. • Glycine-derived Schiff base ligands offer exceptional structural flexibility, enabling the formation of diverse metal complexes with tailored biological and chemical properties. • A clear understanding of metal–ligand interactions is essential for enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of these complexes. • Numerous studies have confirmed the strong antimicrobial and antifungal activities of glycine-based Schiff base metal complexes. • These complexes exhibit promising anticancer potential through multiple molecular mechanisms and pathways. • Their antioxidant capabilities suggest their potential use in preventing or managing oxidative stress-related diseases.
Arun et al. (Tue,) studied this question.