Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cyclic Imide Derivatives

Imide derivatives constitute an interesting group of compounds exhibiting broad biological activity. Structures containing the imide moiety [-CO-N(R)-CO-] occur in both natural and synthetic compounds. Several drugs containing an imide moiety are in therapeutic use. In this review, we present the structures and describe the effects of cyclic imide derivatives, which primarily exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. Some of the presented derivatives have been studied in detail, and their additional analgesic, anticancer, and antibacterial effects have been described. The relative neuroprotective properties of imide derivatives are also described, as are reports of their effect on lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In this review, we discuss monocyclic imide derivatives (succinimide, glutarimide, maleimide, and hydantoin), bicyclic derivatives (e.g., phthalimide), and polycyclic imides.