[Chalcones and their heterocyclic analogs as potential antifungal chemotherapeutic agents]

Chalcones and their heterocyclic analogues show various biological effects, e.g. anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antibacterial, antituberculous, antiviral, antiprotozoal, gastroprotective, and others. The present review discusses in greater detail the fungistatic and fungicide properties of these compounds and presents also their chemical structures. The mechanism of antifungal effects of chalcones and their analogues has not been investigated in greater detail. Due to the presence of a reactive ketovinyl moiety in the molecule the compounds of this type are able to react with the thiol groups of enzymes. It cannot be excluded that chalcones interfere with the normal function of the membranes of fungi and moulds. Further investigation of chemical, physical, and biological properties of chalcones and their analogues could lead to the elucidation of the mechanism of their action and finding of effective fungicidal and fungistatic agents in this group of organic substances.