# Nitrochalcones: Pharmacological Activities and Therapeutic Potential

## TL;DR

Nitrochalcones are versatile compounds with potential therapeutic uses due to their ability to affect multiple biological processes.

## Contribution

This review highlights the multitarget nature and therapeutic potential of nitrochalcones based on their structure-activity relationships.

## Key findings

- Nitrochalcones modulate oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation.
- They show anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities with selectivity for pathological cells.
- Structure–activity relationships guide their pharmacological behavior and therapeutic applications.

## Abstract

Chalcones are compounds containing an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group that have been studied due to their structural simplicity, ease of synthesis, and broad spectrum of biological activities. Within this family, nitrochalcones have gained relevance due to the influence of the nitro group (–NO2) on the modulation of their electronic properties, chemical reactivity, and pharmacological behavior. This review presents a critical analysis of advances in the biological activities and possible mechanisms of action of nitrochalcones and their derivatives, with an emphasis on their structure–activity relationships and therapeutic potential. The available evidence shows that nitrochalcones and their derivatives act as multitarget molecules, capable of intervening in key biological processes such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and cell signaling pathways associated with proliferation and apoptosis. Several studies report anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antifungal, and cardiovascular activities, often with favorable selectivity toward pathological cells over healthy cells.