Ruthenium Complexes, an Emerging Class of Leishmanicidal Drug Candidates

This review addresses the search for activity enhancement of leishmanicidal organic compounds through their coordination chemistry with ruthenium. In an introduction to leishmaniasis, its clinical manifestations, geographical distribution, available forms of treatment, and challenges to disease management are presented. Ruthenium complexes, owing to their physico-chemical and biological properties, are introduced as a suitable molecular library from which to find alternatives to current medicines. The main sections of the review describe complexes reported in the literature, organised into two main groups: organometallics and inorganic complexes. The activity of the ruthenium complexes is presented compared with that of the ligands for a critical assessment of their utility in future clinical application.