Zn(II)‐Curcumin Complexes‐Based Anticancer Agents

Abstract There is a great deal of research interest in the design of alternative metallodrugs to Pt(II)‐derivatives for cancer treatment. The low solubility of such drugs in biological mediums leading to poor bioavailability is the major hurdle of several metal‐based anticancer agents. These issues have recently been addressed by designing bio‐active ligands based on metal‐containing anticancer agents. Conjugating with bioactive ligands has significantly improved the bioavailability of the metallodrugs and their cancer cell targeting ability. One such naturally available bioactive ligand is curcumin. Until recently, several curcumin‐based anticancer metallodrugs have been developed and successfully demonstrated for their anticancer studies. In this article, we aim to highlight, the synthesis, structure, and anticancer properties of various Zn(II)‐curcumin‐based coordination complexes. The effect of introducing different functional groups, targeting ligands, and photo‐active ligands on the anticancer potential of such complexes has been mentioned in detail. The current status and future perspective on curcumin‐based metallodrugs for cancer treatment have also been stated.