A comprehensive review of recent advances in the biological activities of 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles

Nitrogen heterocycles play an essential role in medication development. The 1,2,4-oxadiazole heterocycle has been extensively studied, yielding a large variety of molecules with varied biological functions. The 1,2,4-oxadiazole shows bioisosteric equivalency with ester and amide moieties. In recent years, the 1,2,4-oxadiazole nucleus has received a lot of attention in medicinal chemistry. It was thought to be a pharmacophore component in the production of biologically intriguing drugs. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the recent achievements in the biological activities of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles as potential antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic agents. The structure-activity relationship and mechanisms of action are also reviewed.