Abstract

BENZIMIDAZOLE DERIVATIVES AS PROMISING BIOACTIVE AGENTS RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIFUNGAL, AND ANTHELMINTIC RESEARCH

Mallikarjun Poleshi*, Ganesh Shiralashetti, Sakkoobayi Kumbar

ABSTRACT

benzimidazole constitutes a vital class of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds that have drawn considerable interest in pharmaceutical research owing to their diverse biological potential. The structural combination of benzene and imidazole rings provides a stable core capable of strong interactions with a wide range of biological targets. Numerous investigations have highlighted the pronounced antimicrobial, antifungal, and anthelmintic properties of benzimidazole derivatives. Their biological activity arises mainly from the inhibition of key metabolic and enzymatic functions necessary for microbial and parasitic growth. Well-known therapeutic agents such as albendazole, mebendazole, and thiabendazole exemplify the clinical utility of this scaffold in managing parasitic and infectious diseases. Modifications at various positions of the benzimidazole nucleus have been shown to enhance potency, specificity, and pharmacokinetic behaviour. Therefore, the benzimidazole framework remains highly promising template for the rational design of next-generation antimicrobial and antiparasitic drugs with improved efficacy and safety profiles.

Keywords: Benzimidazole, Chemistry, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Anthelmintic activity.