Metformin compounds: A review on the importance and the possible applications

Abstract

Metformin is a particular compound able to coordinate metal ions and form complexes with Schiff bases that have unique properties and high stability, for a wide range of applications. This review describes and discusses organic and inorganic several reactions of synthesis of metformin complexes that coordinate some metal ions such as Ni, Co, Nd, Cr, Cu. These synthesis methods of metformin complexes are shown by the published results and characterization analyses. In medicine and pharmacy, these complexes are commonly applied and have shown a positive reaction in the fields. These complexes have been recommended to lower blood glucose levels and suggested as anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-leukemia compounds, and some have been used against leukemia. It has also been documented that the addition of specific ligands to metformin has also improved metformin's pharmacokinetic activity. Therefore, the preparation of many of the Schiff bases and complexes of metformin, such as [Nd (III) metformin Schiff Base, Co(TMP)(MET)(H2O)Cl2], [Ni(TMP)(MET)(H2O)Cl2, grapheneoxide-metformin-nickel, tetrachloro (metfo-rmin) platinum (IV) dimethyl, Cr(III)-2Mfn. HCl and others are described and discussed here. These complexes have the potential to be used for some biological activities, in addition to their potent as a catalyst of the carbon-carbon coupling reaction.