Arsenic in medicine: past, present and future

Area of Science:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Arsenicals have a long history of medicinal use, dating back to ancient times.
• Despite toxicity concerns, arsenicals have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in treating various disorders, including trypanosomiasis and acute promyelocytic leukemia.
• Renewed interest in arsenicals has emerged due to their potential in combating diseases, especially in light of increasing antibiotic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical and contemporary medicinal applications of inorganic and organic arsenicals.
• To explore the antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and anticancer properties of arsenicals.
• To propose the development of novel arsenical drugs as alternatives or adjuncts for treating cancer and emerging infectious diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ancient and modern medicinal uses of arsenicals.
• Analysis of clinical and preclinical data on arsenical drug efficacy.
• Exploration of scientific advancements for designing new arsenical compounds.

Main Results:

• Arsenicals have demonstrated efficacy across a spectrum of applications, including antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and anticancer activities.
• Arsenic trioxide has shown significant success in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia.
• The discovery of arsinothricin highlights the potential of organoarsenical antibiotics against multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Arsenicals represent a valuable therapeutic class with potential applications against emerging pathogens and cancer.
• Advancements in science and technology can facilitate the design of novel arsenicals with improved safety and efficacy profiles.
• Arsenicals warrant further investigation as potential alternatives or complementary agents in modern medicine, particularly against antibiotic-resistant infections.