Imidazole and benzimidazole systems are presented in a large number of common therapeutics agents. They were widely used in organic and medicinal chemistry, but recently the development of N-oxide derivatives got an improvement from the point of view of its chemical and biological activity. Though we will review recent developments in chemical and biological profiles (as antitumoral, antiparasitic, antiviral and antimicrobial agents) of these heterocycle systems and the corresponding N-oxides.

The chemistry of indazole and its N-oxide derivatives is very well-known. Indazole derivatives were extensively studied as bioactive compounds, such as anti-aggregatory and vasorelaxant activity by NO release and increase of cGMP levels and anticancer effects, antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, among others. Recently, the research and development in the medicinal chemistry of these systems have produced compounds with contraceptive activities for men, for the treatment of osteoporosis, inflammatory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. On the other hand, indazole N-oxide derivatives were poorly studied as bioactive compounds, but recently compounds with antiparasitic properties were produced. In this presentation, recent developments in the chemistry and medicinal chemistry of indazole and its N-oxide derivatives will be reviewed.

Psychrotrophic yeasts were isolated from Antarctic soils, selected based on their ability to grow in apple juice at low temperatures, and were evalua