Abstract
Schiff base or imine or azomethine is one of the most important organic compounds that has been reported to play a significant role in various biological processes. The group is a part of natural or non-natural compounds and is involved as important precursors, as diversified agents and as intermediates, in the synthesis of biologically active agents. The review outlines the detailed design strategy, synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of different Schiff bases for various biological activities. We have tried to outline the key points of various researchers with respect to biological activities. The results of different studies demonstrate Schiff bases as a linker in many synthetic compounds displaying a broad range of activities. We believe that the present review will provide comprehensive knowledge on the medicinal importance of Schiff bases and serve as important literature in designing the synthesis of novel molecules containing Schiff base as pharmacophore or biologically active moiety.
Keywords: Imine, Schiff bases, cyclooxygenase, anticonvulsant, anticancer, antioxidant.
Graphical Abstract