Literature review reveals potent cytotoxic mechanisms of transition metal Schiff base complexes in cancer cells, suggesting their promise as targeted chemotherapy agents.
Key Points
To review the synthesis, cytotoxicity, and biological mechanisms of transition metal Schiff base complexes evaluated for anticancer chemotherapy over the preceding five years.
Reviewed preclinical literature published between 2018 and 2023 on transition metal Schiff base coordination compounds.
Evaluated reported cytotoxicity profiles, macromolecular target interactions, and cytotoxic pathways across diverse cancer cell models.
Transition metal coordination markedly improves the baseline cytotoxic potency and pharmacological properties of Schiff base ligands.
Identified compounds trigger cancer cell death through targeted macromolecular binding and activation of specific intracellular cell death pathways.