Therapeutic evolution of benzimidazole derivatives in the last quinquennial period

Benzimidazole, a fused heterocycle bearing benzene and imidazole has gained considerable attention in the field of contemporary medicinal chemistry. The moiety is of substantial importance because of its wide array of pharmacological activities. This nitrogen containing heterocycle is a part of a number of therapeutically used agents. Moreover, a number of patents concerning this moiety in the last few years further highlight its worth. The present review covers the recent work published by scientists across the globe during last five years. [Display omitted] •Benzimidazole: nitrogen containing bicyclic heterocyclic ring with diverse pharmacological activities.•Benzimidazole derivatives reported in the last quinquennial period have been discussed.•Various bioactivities such as anti-cancer, anti-microbial, antiviral and others have been highlighted.•A brief outline on the Structure activity relationship (SAR) study has been discussed.•This review will be helpful for medicinal chemists in designing future drugs.