Review of Recent Medicinal Applications of Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes

Abstract

The use of metal-based complexes is currently taking centre stage in the field of nanomedicine for the treatment and control of various ailments. Rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes have frequently been evaluated in vitro for their anticancer activities, and a few have advanced to in vivo and clinical trials, owing to the distinct application characteristics of these complexes. Their inception in drug development is key. This study explores a detailed chronological overview of the medical applications of Re(I) tricarbonyl complexes over the past six years (2019–2024), focusing on their applications and clinical tests in the control and management of various ailments. An in-depth examination of their activities in anticancer treatments, Chagas disease, antifungal infections, antimalarial, and microbial infections was conducted, comparing the complexes to various standard antibiotics, conventional antimalarial drugs, antifungals, and standard anticancer agents.