Exploring the versatility of ciclopirox – from anti-fungal to anticancer agent and beyond

Abstract

Introduction and aim. Ciclopirox has been treating fungal infections for decades. Recent studies suggest ciclopirox may be repurposed to treat cancer, viral infections, and neurological disorders. Ciclopirox exerts anticancer by inhibiting multiple pathways of cancer cell growth and survival and anti-viral actions by reducing viral replication and altering the host immunological response to viral infection. Recent research suggests that ciclopirox may protect against neurodegenerative illnesses including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This narrative review shows ciclopirox’s potential to treat cancer, viral infections, and neurological diseases. Material and methods. Current relevant research publications focused on ciclopirox and its repurposing medicinal potential, therefore a well-designed technique was used to find them. „Ciclopirox”, „Anti-fungal”, „Anti-cancer”, „Repurposing”, and „Therapeutic potential” were used to search PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Analysis of literature. Ciclopirox may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which may cause several illnesses. Overall, the repurposing of ciclopirox for the treatment of cancer, viral infections, and neurodegenerative disorders represents a promising avenue of research that warrants further investigation. Conclusion. It was concluded that CPX and olamine derivatives as outstanding antifungal medications, as well as provide information on ongoing research to use them for other illnesses.