Biologically Active Palladium(II), Zinc(II), and Copper(II) Complexes with Terpene Ligands as Potential Pharmaceutical Drugs

A final review of the results of studies of versatile biological activities (in vitro) of chiral metal complexes with benzylamine and ethylenediamine derivatives of terpenes is presented. The cytotoxic profiles of palladacycles containing a Pd–C bond and palladium and zinc chelate complexes were determined. For a number of compounds, the possible mechanisms of potential anticancer action were analyzed, such as modulation of mitochondrial functioning and effect on the parameters of glycolytic function of tumor cells. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of palladium complexes of different types and copper chelate complexes were investigated. A correlation between high antimicrobial activity and antioxidant properties was found for a number of copper complexes. The material is supplemented by an extended analysis of publications in relevant subjects.