An increasing number of potential applications for polyoxometalates in human medicine have been reported in the literature. These inorganic complexes are composed of early transition metals (mainly molybdenum, tungsten and vanadium) and oxygen. The present review gives an introduction into the chemistry of these compounds, and an overview of the principal studies of their biological and biochemical effects and their therapeutic potential. The reported antitumoral and antibiotic properties of molybdates and tungstates in vitro and in vivo are compiled and discussed, as are their influences on the blood glucose level in diabetic animals. Aspects of antiviral activities and cell penetration are treated.