Pharmacological properties of furoxans and benzofuroxans: recent developments

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2005 Jan;5(1):57-71. doi: 10.2174/1389557053402864.

Abstract

The chemistry of furoxans (1, 2, 5-oxadiazole-2-oxides) and benzofuroxans (benzo[1, 2-c]1, 2, 5-oxadiazole-1-oxides) is very well known. These systems are widely used in organic chemistry as intermediate compounds for the synthesis of numerous heterocycles. In the other hand, furoxan and benzofuroxan derivatives were extensively studied as bioactive compounds. They possess remarkable biological activities, such as anti-microbial and anti-parasitic properties, mutagenic, immunosuppressive and anticancer effects, anti-aggregating and vasorelaxant activity, among others. In some cases, molecular mode of action was proposed. Recently, the research and development in the medicinal chemistry of these systems have produced hybrid compounds in which furoxan or benzofuroxan moieties together with a classical drug moieties are present in a single molecule. So, new anti-ulcer drugs, calcium channel modulators and vasodilator derivatives were described and they are currently in study. In this presentation recent developments in the medicinal chemistry of furoxans and benzofuroxans will be reviewed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Ulcer Agents / pharmacology
  • Benzoxazoles / chemistry
  • Benzoxazoles / pharmacology*
  • Benzoxazoles / therapeutic use
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Oxadiazoles / chemistry
  • Oxadiazoles / pharmacology*
  • Oxadiazoles / therapeutic use
  • Vasodilator Agents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Ulcer Agents
  • Benzoxazoles
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Oxadiazoles
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • furoxans
  • benzofuroxan