ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Recent advancements of transition metal complexes derived from azomethine based ligands as potent anti-tuberculosis agents

Jai Devi, Manisha Rathi, Tanisha Arora, Manju Rani, Nishu Dhillayan, and Gita Rani

Department of Chemistry, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, India

E-mail: jaidevi2005@gjust.org

Received: 27 October 2025  Accepted: 9 February 2026

Abstract:

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a chronic infectious disease of global concern, primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Despite the extensive use of potent drugs like rifampicin, isoniazid (INH), ethionamide, streptomycin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, effective disease control has eluded us for nearly fifty years. This persistent challenge is largely attributed to improper treatment protocols and an incomplete understanding of the disease, which have inadvertently led to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. In latest years, transition metal complexes have gained prominence in drug development due to their significant biological activity. Notably, Schiff base ligands, known for their versatile coordination Chemistry and biological properties, have shown promising potential in combating M. tuberculosis. This review provided a comprehensive overview of the advancements made from 2015 to 2025 in the growth of anti-tuberculosis agents. It focuses on the anti-tubercular activities of Schiff bases/thiosemicarbazone/hydrazone/heterocyclic based ligands along with their transition metal complexes including V(II), V(V), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) highlighting their potential in the ongoing battle against TB. It is anticipated that this review will guide researchers in exploring new perspectives for the rational design of more potent and less toxic transition metal-based drugs, advancing the development of anti-TB therapies.

Keywords: Schiff base; Thiosemicarbazone; Hydrazone; Transition metal complexes; Anti-TB activity

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-04736-2

Chemical Papers 80 (6) 5905–5932 (2026)