METHODS: This review summarizes and characterizes the current knowledge regarding the classes of glycosidase inhibitors that have therapeutic potential in a wide range of diseases. It highlights the relevant research, patents and patent applications filed in the past years on the field.
CONCLUSIONS: Since the glycosidase inhibitors are involved in several chronic diseases and possibly pandemic, the pharmaceutical research toward developing new generations of these molecules is very important to public health in the world. The unique combination of these compounds - for example, they share many properties with natural carbohydrates and also possess distinct specific characteristics - makes them precious for pharmaceutical companies in an attempt to search for potential new drugs. Currently, the most promising compounds are the iminosugars and thiosugars due to their better oral bioavailability.