Quinones, which are cyclic chemical molecules, have attracted considerable
interest in the field of drug discovery because of their wide range of pharmacological
effects and structural flexibility. This study examines the diverse functions of quinones
in several therapeutic domains, encompassing their antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antiinflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, and antibacterial properties. Having redox activity
means that quinones can change important signalling pathways and create reactive
oxygen species (ROS). This makes them effective against cancer cells and also protects
against damage caused by oxidative stress. In preclinical studies, both natural and
artificial quinone derivatives have publicised promising results. They act as
antioxidants, getting rid of free radicals and stopping lipid peroxidation. Moreover,
quinones have shown promise in the treatment of diabetes by blocking crucial enzymes
and decreasing high blood sugar levels after meals. Quinones have anti-inflammatory
properties because they are involved in the diminution of pro-inflammatory mediators
and reduce oedema volume. Quinone derivatives have demonstrated reduction of βamyloid aggregation, acetylcholinesterase activity, and monoamine oxidase in
Alzheimer's disease research, suggesting them as possible multitarget-directed ligands
for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Quinones also have antibacterial action against a
variety of harmful microorganisms, indicating that they have the potential to tackle
infectious disorders. Overall, quinones and their derivatives represent attractive
possibilities for drug development across diverse therapeutic domains, emphasising
their importance in advancing pharmaceutical research and solving unmet medical
needs.
Keywords: Quinone, drug, drug discovery, disease.
