The medicinal chemistry of chalcones as potential agents against neglected tropical diseases

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) represent a cluster of illnesses prevalent in tropical areas across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The World Health Organization identifies officially 17 NTDs, comprising parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections. Unlike high-profile infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, NTDs have been largely overlooked by the pharmaceutical industry. Presently, only a limited number of treatments are available, primarily targeting conditions like leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, along with a few other parasitic ailments. This chapter delves into recent advancements regarding the utilization of chalcones in combating NTDs, presenting insights into the potential mechanisms of action of chalcone structures against pathogens and discussing studies on structure–activity relationship. Focusing on the timeframe spanning from 2020 to 2024, this chapter aims to provide an up-to-date overview of developments in the field.