Biological importance of organoselenium compounds

Selenium, a nonmetallic element, has structural and enzymatic roles. Selenium influences a number of endocrine processes; selenium supplementation has recently shown some of the important pharmacological intervention, especially in cancer chemoprevention. During the last few years, a tremendous effort has been directed toward the synthesis of stable organoselenium compounds. The biochemistry and pharmacology of selenium-based compounds are subjects of intense current interest, especially from the point of view of public heath. The purpose of this review is to discuss the recent pharmacological applications of organoselenium compounds as therapeutic agents in the treatment of several diseases.