Molecules with alkyne fragment in medicinal chemistry: The path from neurotoxins to drugs

In this comprehensive review, we explore a diverse array of highly promising compounds, categorized based on their pharmacological properties, origins, and synthetic methodologies, to highlight the critical role of alkyne functionalities in advancing medicinal chemistry. Our analysis underscores the unique contributions of acetylene-containing compounds, emphasizing their structural significance and therapeutic potential. The remarkable versatility of acetylene-bearing molecules is evident in their wide-ranging biological activities, which position them as exceptional candidates for drug development. Extensive studies compiled in this review demonstrate that incorporating an acetylene group into molecular frameworks significantly enhances bioactivity. Numerous naturally occurring alkynes exhibit potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer effects. Notably, compounds featuring a propargylamine group are established inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and cholinesterases (ChEs). Additionally, a range of alkyne derivatives shows promise as H3-receptor antagonists, offering potential treatments for conditions such as epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, sleep disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and various inflammatory and gastrointestinal disorders. Acetylene-containing compounds also play a role in anti-HIV therapies, with certain synthetic steroids falling within this class. Furthermore, alkynes are integral to multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) strategies, broadening their therapeutic applications. A particular focus of this review is the compelling anticancer potential of MAO inhibitors, which have garnered significant attention from pharmaceutical companies for their efficacy against prostate cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, glioma brain tumors, non-small cell lung cancer, A-2058 melanoma cell lines, and acute myeloid leukemia. This has spurred interest in drug repurposing, establishing these compounds as a cornerstone of innovative therapeutic development.