Biological properties of ruthenium(II)/(III) complexes with flavonoids as ligands

Abstract

This review highlights the progress in the development of ruthenium(II)/(III) complexes with flavone derivatives as potential therapeutic agents. We focused on natural hydroxyflavone derivatives and their synthetic amino analogues as ligands in ruthenium(II)/(III) complexes which demonstrate antimicrobial, antitumor activity and/or enzyme inhibition. Some enzymes targeted by flavone derivatives are important for the development and progression of cancer cells which underpins the design concept for the Ru complexes as multitargeted compounds consisting of a bioactive ligand and a ruthenium center.