Nitrogenous Heterocyclic Compounds: Environmental Impact, Therapeutic Applications, and Sustainable Perspectives

ABSTRACT Nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds (NHCs) are structurally different molecules which are extensively used in pharmaceuticals, agriculture and industrial processes because of their high biological as well as chemical activity. Although they are important as anticancer, antimicrobial and enzyme modulating agents, their growing environmental persistence and ecotoxicological risks have increasingly become a point of concern. The review offers an integrated and detailed view to connect the therapeutic significance of NHCs with the environmental behavior and sustainability issues an aspect that is mostly ignored in the literature. The structural diversity and classification of NHCs is addressed as well as their dual nature as useful bioactive compounds and possible environmental polluters. Therapeutic‐ecological trade‐offs such as bioaccumulation, toxicity, and ecosystem disruption are given special consideration. New developments in the green chemistry, biodegradable design, and biotechnological solutions are highly emphasized as the sustainable solutions to reduce environmental impact. The review provides a new multidisciplinary framework, outlines main gaps in research, and promotes the rational design of safer and environmentally compatible NHCs that can be consistent with the concept of sustainable chemistry.