A Systematic Review on 1, 4-Dihydropyridines and its Analogues: An Elite Scaffold

1,4-Dihydropyridines are a group of pyridine-based molecules possessing a magnificent set of biological and therapeutic potentials. Belonging to the class of calcium channel blockers, they are known to be effective in the conditions, angina, hypertension, myocardial infarction and show vasodilatory and cardiac depressant effects. Hypotensive, antimicrobial, anticancer, anticoagulant, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antimalarial, antiulcer, and neuroprotective effects have been reported with their rational use. The effects are precipitated in response to inhibition of calcium channels, gradually restricting calcium influx. Drugs like nifedipine, felodipine, and amlodipine are commonly used clinically. Several other drugs belonging to this class have been under clinical trials. The present review focuses on the various 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives and their pharmacological actions.