Chemotherapeutic Effects of Acridine Derivatives

Acridine derivatives show a broad range of biological activities. They have primarily been explored as chemotherapeutic agents (anticancer, antibacterial, antiprotozoal), because of the ability of the acridine chromophore to intercalate DNA and inhibit topoisomerase and telomerase enzymes. Research continues to be focussed primarily in these areas, but recent work shows they are active also as anticholinesterase agents.