Oxo‐ and Dioxo‐Vanadium Complexes as Insulin Mimetic Agents

The primary recognized fact about vanadium relates to its role as an insulin‐enhancing element for humans which is explored by reviewing vanadium complexes that have been widely investigated for their insulin‐mimetic activity for over four decades. Substantial research has been carried out in designing oxo‐, dioxo‐, and peroxo‐vanadium complexes with improved stability, selective PTP inhibition, and enhanced glycemic control in both in vitro and in vivo models. In its common oxidation states III, IV, and V, it readily forms V–O bonds and coordinates to nitrogen, oxygen, and Sulphur donors, producing chemically stable complexes. This article focuses on the current state of research on insulin‐mimetic agents for treating diabetes mellitus 2, with special focus on oxo‐ (VO 2+ ) and dioxo‐ (VO 2 + ) vanadium complexes with coordinating modes who demonstrated broad activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Current data contribute to the overall understanding of these complexes like their structure and biological redox reactions, responsible for their pharmacodynamics. Considerably more in vitro and especially in vivo research is essential before these complexes can be considered viable for routine clinical use. This review summarizes ligand design, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic effects of vanadium complexes, highlighting the challenges that prevent their clinical translation.