Recent developments in synthesis and antimalarial activities of chalcone hybrids

Malaria remains a significant cause of mortality globally; development and discovery of novel antimalarial drugs are needed to search for effective antimalarial agents due to resistance against existing drugs. Chalcones, also known as α,β-unsaturated ketones, have been studied due to their varied biological activities, including antimalarial activity. Using hybrid compounds is one helpful strategy to enhance the efficacy of antimalarial drugs and reduce treatment resistance. Hence, the current review intended to introduce various heterocycles like triazole, indole, thiophene, benzimidazole, quinoline, piperidine, pyridine, furan, coumarin, and pyrazole containing chalcone hybrids of promising antimalarial activity reported by the researchers from 2019 to 2025. The structure-activity relationship that has been discussed could provide a useful approach for possible drug design and synthesis based on hybridization between the chalcone core and heterocyclic scaffolds.