Unveiling Anti‐Malarial, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Efficiency and Molecular Docking Study of Synthesized Transition Metal Complexes Derived From Heterocyclic Schiff Base Ligands

Abstract

AbstractMalaria, a persistent and ancient adversary, continues to impact vast regions worldwide, afflicting millions and severely affecting human health and well‐being. Recently, despite significant progress in combating this parasitic disease, malaria remains a major global health concern, especially in areas with limited resources and vulnerable populations. Consequently, identifying and developing effective agents to combat malaria and its associated dysfunctions is essential therefore the two new Schiff base ligands incorporated Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions were synthesized and thoroughly characterized. The synthesized compounds were assessed for in vitro anti‐malarial and antimicrobial efficacy, compounds (9, 10) demonstrated highest potential with IC50=1.08±0.09 to 1.18±0.04 μM against P. falciparum and MIC=0.0058 μmol/mL against C. albicans and E. coli, respectively. The complexes (5, 6) were effectively reduce mitigate oxidative stress with lowest IC50 value of 2.69±0.12 to 2.87±0.09 μM. Moreover, the biological findings were reinforced by a molecular docking investigation involving the potential compounds (2, 7–10) against dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and sterol 14‐alpha demethylase proteins which exposed complex's excellent biological response than their parent ligands. ADMET profiling was used to confirm the compounds’ oral drug‐like features. This research offers promising prospects for future multi‐functional drug innovations targeting malaria, pathogenic infections, and oxidative stress.