Chapter 6 - Imidazole containing heterocycles as antioxidants

Abstract

Oxidation is an essential process of human life and cell functionality, which involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another to produce energy in cells in the form of adenosine triphosphate. An imbalance in flow of electrons produces high amounts of free radicals like oxygen and nitrogen. These overload free radicals cause damage to vital molecules, DNA, protein, and lipids, and their accumulation is termed oxidative stress, which leads to chronic illness such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, diabetes, aging, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants are natural and synthetic substances, capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules by obstructing free radical generation and terminating chain reaction. Imidazole core structure is used as a significant scaffold due to its potent antioxidant activity and free-radical scavenging capability. Unique features of imidazole molecule, including their binding and complex formation ability, make them available for free-radical scavenger activity through various defense approaches. This chapter highlights the advancements in the field of imidazole-based antioxidant compounds and their potential role in drug development. This study provides deep insights for future researchers and medicinal chemists for the generation of cost-efficient hybrids and less toxic drug candidates against lethal diseases.