Structural requirements of flavonoids and related compounds for aldose reductase inhibitory activity

The methanolic extracts of several natural medicines and medicinal foodstuffs were found to show an inhibitory effect on rat lens aldose reductase. In most cases, flavonoids were isolated as the active constituents by bioassay-guided separation, and among them, quercitrin (IC(50)=0.15 microM), guaijaverin (0.18 microM), and desmanthin-1 (0.082 microM) exhibited potent inhibitory activity. Desmanthin-1 showed the most potent activity, which was equivalent to that of a commercial synthetic aldose reductase inhibitor, epalrestat (0.072 microM). In order to clarify the structural requirements of flavonoids for aldose reductase inhibitory activity, various flavonoids and related compounds were examined. The results suggested the following structural requirements of flavonoid: 1) the flavones and flavonols having the 7-hydroxyl and/or catechol moiety at the B ring (the 3',4'-dihydroxyl moiety) exhibit the strong activity; 2) the 5-hydroxyl moiety does not affect the activity; 3) the 3-hydroxyl and 7-O-glucosyl moieties reduce the activity; 4) the 2-3 double bond enhances the activity; 5) the flavones and flavonols having the catechol moiety at the B ring exhibit stronger activity than those having the pyrogallol moiety (the 3',4',5'-trihydroxyl moiety).     

A new potent immunosuppressive isoflavanonol from Campylotropis hirtella

Four new flavonoids were isolated from Campylotropis hirtella and these are a chromone and a 2H-chromene, an isoflavone and an isoflavanonol. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic measurements. All of the compounds were assessed for immunosuppressive activity. Compound 4 showed very strong T lymphocyte suppression activity (IC₅₀: 0.13 μM) and potent B lymphocyte suppression activity (IC₅₀: 0.26 μM). Due to its potent immunosuppressive activity and lower cytotoxicity, further structure–activity studies will be pursued on this compound.     

Development of Novel Indole-Based Bifunctional Aldose Reductase Inhibitors/Antioxidants as Promising Drugs for the Treatment of Diabetic Complications

Aldose reductase (AR, ALR2), the first enzyme of the polyol pathway, is implicated in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. Aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) thus present a promising therapeutic approach to treat a wide array of diabetic complications. Moreover, a therapeutic potential of ARIs in the treatment of chronic inflammation-related pathologies and several genetic metabolic disorders has been recently indicated. Substituted indoles are an interesting group of compounds with a plethora of biological activities. This article reviews a series of indole-based bifunctional aldose reductase inhibitors/antioxidants (ARIs/AOs) developed during recent years. Experimental results obtained in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of diabetic complications are presented. Structure–activity relationships with respect to carboxymethyl pharmacophore regioisomerization and core scaffold modification are discussed along with the criteria of ‘drug-likeness”. Novel promising structures of putative multifunctional ARIs/AOs are designed.     

In Vivo Antistress Effects of Synthetic Flavonoids in Mice: Behavioral and Biochemical Approach

Natural flavonoids, in addition to some of their synthetic derivatives, are recognized for their remarkable medicinal properties. The present study was designed to investigate the in vitro antioxidant and in vivo antistress effect of synthetic flavonoids (flavones and flavonols) in mice, where stress was induced by injecting acetic acid and physically through swimming immobilization. Among the synthesized flavones (F1–F6) and flavonols (OF1–OF6), the mono para substituted methoxy containing F3 and OF3 exhibited maximum scavenging potential against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) with IC₅₀ of 31.46 ± 1.46 μg/mL and 25.54 ± 1.21 μg/mL, respectively. Minimum antioxidant potential was observed for F6 and OF6 with IC₅₀ values of 174.24 ± 2.71 μg/mL and 122.33 ± 1.98 μg/mL, respectively, in comparison with tocopherol. The ABTS scavenging activity of all the synthesized flavones and flavonols were significantly higher than observed with DPPH assay, indicating their potency as good antioxidants and the effectiveness of ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) assay in evaluating antioxidant potentials of chemical substances. The flavonoids-treated animals showed a significant (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and *** p < 0.001, n = 8) reduction in the number of writhes and an increase in swimming endurance time. Stressful conditions changed plasma glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which were used as markers when evaluating stress in animal models. The level of these markers was nearly brought to normal when pre-treated with flavones and flavonols (10 mg/kg) for fifteen days in experimental animals. These compounds also considerably reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS: Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), which was significant (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and *** p < 0.001, n = 8) compared to the control group. A significant rise in the level of catalase and SOD (super oxide dismutase) was also observed in the treated groups. Diazepam (2 mg/kg) was used as the standard drug. Additionally, the flavonoids markedly altered the weight of the adrenal glands, spleen and brain in stress-induced mice. The findings of the study suggest that these flavonoids could be used as a remedy for stress and are capable of ameliorating diverse physiological and biochemical alterations associated with stressful conditions. However, further experiments are needed to confirm the observed potentials in other animal models, especially in those with a closer resemblance to humans. Toxicological evaluations are also equally important.     

In vitro and in silico study of Aloe vera leaf extract against human breast cancer

Abstract

Aloe vera leaf contains some bioactive compounds that have a strong binding affinity toward estrogen receptor as compared to standard drug tamoxifen. In this study, we have found that the IC₅₀ of Aloe vera leaf extract against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) is 23?µg/mL which is much lower than the IC₅₀ (332?µg/mL) of Aloe vera leaf extract against non-cancerous cell line (NIH-3T3). We have also calculated the total concentration of phenolic acid (385.662?µg/mL), flavonoids (160.402?µg/mL) and alkaloids (276.754?µg/mL) in Aloe vera leaf extract. The free radical scavenging activity of Aloe vera leaf extract is 67% to 89% (at 50 to 300?µg/ml). Our virtual molecular docking study suggests that bioactive compounds like Aloe-emodin (?8.8?Kcal/mol), 7-hydroxy-2,5 dimethylchromone (?7.5?Kcal/mol), Beta-sitosterol (?7.3?Kcal/mol) etc. have a greater binding affinity toward estrogen alpha receptor as compared to standard drug Tamoxifen (?6.4?Kcal/mol).

     

Quantification and bio-assay of α-glucosidase inhibitors from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.

This work aimed to investigate the α-glucosidase inhibitor from the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. Seven flavonoids were isolated, and the total content of compounds 1–7 were more than 50% in Glycyrrhiza total flavones (GTF), and the content of compound 1 and 2 was abundant in GTF. The results of the α-glucosidase inhibitory activities indicated that compounds 1–6 and GTF respectively with the IC₅₀ values of 31.303, 30.263, 23.363, 19.528, 10.854, 26.454 and 21.641 μg/mL exhibited the more potent activity than acarbose with the IC₅₀ values of 38.995 μg/mL. These result suggested that Glycyrrhiza flavonoids may become a valid alternative of potential basis for new hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic agents.     

α-Glucosidase Inhibition and Antioxidant Properties of Streptomyces sp.: In Vitro

Streptomyces strain isolated from the soil sediment was studied for its in vitro α-glucosidase and antioxidant properties. Morphological characterization and 16S rRNA partial gene sequencing were carried out to confirm that the strain Loyola AR1 belongs to genus Streptomyces sp. Modified nutrient glucose broth was used as the basal medium for growth and metabolites production. Ethyl acetate extract of Loyola AR1 (EA-Loyola AR1) showed 50 % α-glucosidase inhibition at the concentration of 860.50?±?2.68 μg/ml. Antioxidant properties such as total phenolic content of EA-Loyola AR1 was 176.83?±?1.17 mg of catechol equivalents/g extracts. EA-Loyola AR1 showed significant scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (50 % inhibition (IC₅₀), 750.50?±?1.61 μg/ml), hydroxyl (IC₅₀, 690.20?±?2.38 μg/ml), nitric oxide (IC₅₀, 850.50?±?1.77 μg/ml), and superoxide (IC₅₀, 880.08?±?1.80 μg/ml) radicals, as well as reducing power. EA-Loyola AR1 showed strong suppressive effect on lipid peroxidation (IC₅₀, 670.50?±?2.52 μg/ml). Antioxidants of β-carotene linoleate model system reveals significantly lower than butylated hydroxyanisole.     

Evaluation of flavonols and derivatives as human cathepsin B inhibitor

Cathepsin B (catB) is a cysteine protease involved in tumour progression and represents a potential therapeutic target in cancer. Among the 15 evaluated extracts from cerrado biome, Myrcia lingua Berg. (Myrtaceae) extract demonstrated to be a source of compounds with potential to inhibit catB. Using bioactivity-guided fractionation, we have found flavonols as inhibitors and also some other derivatives were obtained. From the evaluated compounds, myricetin (5) and quercetin (6) showed the most promising results with IC₅₀ of 4.9 and 8.2 μM, respectively, and mode of inhibition as uncompetitive on catB. The results demonstrated polyhydroxylated flavonols as promising inhibitors of catB.     

Fluorescence Test for Flavonols

Abstract

A rapid and sensitive fluorescence test for distinguishing flavonols from flavones is reported. Under test conditions flavonoid compounds with free or glycosidated hydroxyl groups at the C₃ position fluoresce; others do not.     

Synthesis,evaluation and docking studies of some 4-thiazolone derivatives as effective lipoxygenase inhibitors

Some promising 4-thiazolone derivatives as lipoxygenase inhibitors were designed, synthesized, characterized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity and respective ulcerogenic liabilities. Compounds (1b, 1e, 3b, and 3e) exhibited considerable in vivo anti-inflammatory activity (57.61, 79.35, 75.00, and 79.35%) against carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model, whereas compounds (1e, 3b, and 3e) were found active against the arachidonic acid-induced paw edema model (55.38, 55.38, and 58.46%). The most potent compound (3e) exhibited lesser ulcerogenic liability compared to the standard diclofenac and zileuton. Further, the promising compounds (1e and 3e) were evaluated for in vitro lipoxygenase (LOX; IC₅₀?=?12.98 µM and IC₅₀?=?12.67 µM) and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition assay (COX-1; IC₅₀?>?50 µM and, COX-2; IC₅₀?>?50 µM). The enzyme kinetics of compound 3e was evaluated against LOX enzyme and supported by in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations studies. Overall, the results substantiated that 5-benzylidene-2-phenyl-4-thiazolones are promising pharmacophore for anti-inflammatory activity.     

Flavonoids from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cirsium japonicum</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">maackii</Emphasis> pappus as inhibitors of aldose reductase and their simultaneous determination

Aldose reductase is an enzyme in the polyol pathway which is associated in the progression of diabetic complications. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory activity of Cirsium japonicum var. maackii pappus (CJP) against rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR). The ethanolic extract, fractions and isolated flavonoids were subjected to an RLAR assay. Isolation of chloroform (CHCl₃) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions led to the identification of four flavonoids: hispidulin (1), cirsimaritin (2), apigenin (3), and cirsimarin (4). The RLAR assay results suggested that the EtOAc fraction and flavonoids 1 and 3 promoted better AR inhibition than did TMG (control). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of compounds 1 and 3 was 0.77 and 3.19 μM, respectively. A simultaneous determination of flavonoid content using HPLC–UV indicated that CJP contained large amounts of compounds 2 and 3 (1.65 and 1.84 mg/g, respectively). Flavonoids from Cirsium species have been widely reported to show various pharmacological activities. This study indicated that CJP has the potential to prevent diabetic complications and was a potential source of flavonoids.     

Chemical composition and α-amylase inhibitory activity of the essential oil from Sabina chinensis cv. Kaizuca leaves

Sabina chinensis cv. Kaizuca (SCK) is a variant of S. chinensis L. The essential oil from its leaves exhibited α-amylase inhibitory activity in vitro and the IC₅₀ value was 187.08 ± 0.56 μg/mL. Nineteen compounds were identified from this essential oil by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The major compounds identified were bornyl acetate (42.6%), elemol (20.5%), β-myrcene (13.7%) and β-linalool (4.0%). In order to study the reason of the α-amylase inhibitory activity of this essential oil, the identified compounds were docked with α-amylase by molecular docking individually. Among these compounds, γ-eudesmol exhibited the lowest binding energy (?6.73 kcal/mol), followed by α-copaen-11-ol (?6.66 kcal/mol), cubedol (?6.39 kcal/mol) and α-acorenol (?6.12 kcal/mol). The results indicated that these compounds were the active ingredients responsible for the α-amylase inhibitory activity of essential oil from SCK.     

Synthesis of 4‐Heteroaryl–Quinazoline Derivatives as Potential Anti‐breast Cancer Agents

4‐Heteroaryl or heteroalkyl–quinazoline derivatives were prepared as dual epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) inhibitors. The new compounds were tested for their dual enzyme inhibition as well as their cytotoxic activity on MCF7 cell line. The results indicated that almost all the compounds showed moderate dual inhibition of both enzymes. Compound 3 (methyl piperidine‐4‐carboxylate derivative) showed the highest inhibitory activity against both enzymes with IC₅₀ 97.6 and 64.0 µM against EGFR and VEGFR‐2 kinases, respectively. Most of the test compounds showed potent to moderate antitumor activity on MCF7 cell line. Five compounds ( 3 , 9c , 11 , 13 , and 15b ) showed potent cytotoxic activity with IC₅₀ values between 10 and 17 µM .     

Carbon-13 NMR studies of flavonoids—I : Flavones and flavonols

¹³C-NMR spectra of hydroxylated flavones and flavonols are presented for the first time. Analyses of the spectra are derived by consideration of a series of acetophenones, cinnamic acids, flavones and flavonols of increasing oxygenation pattern. The accepted substitution additivity rules have been shown to hold for these compounds except in cases where structural modifications involve the C-3,4 and 5 positions.     

Design,synthesis, in vitro and in silico studies of naproxen derivatives as dual lipoxygenase and α-glucosidase inhibitors

A series of 28 novel naproxen derivatives (4a-f, 5a-f, 6a-d, 7a-f, and 8a-f) have been designed, synthesized, and characterized. The synthesized derivatives were assessed as dual inhibitors for 15-lipoxygenase (LOX) and α-glucosidase enzymes and checked for cytotoxicity and ADME studies. The inhibitory potential of naproxen derivatives for 15- LOX was checked through two different methods, the UV absorbance method and the Chemiluminescence method. The biological activities result revealed that through the UV absorbance method, compound 4f (IC₅₀ 21.31 ± 0.32 µM) was found potent among the series followed by compounds 4e (IC₅₀ 36.53 ± 0.51 µM) and 4d (IC₅₀ 49.62 ± 0.12 µM) against standard drug baicalein (IC₅₀ 22.46 ± 1.32 µM) and quercetin (IC₅₀ 2.34 ± 0.35 µM), while through chemiluminescence method tested compounds showed significant 15-LOX inhibition at the range of IC₅₀ 1.13 ± 0.62 µM ?123.47 ± 0.37 µM. Among these compounds, 4e (IC₅₀ 1.13 ± 0.62 µM), 5b (IC₅₀ 1.19 ± 0.43 µM), 8c (IC₅₀ 1.23 ± 0.35 µM) were found most potent inhibitors against quercetin (IC₅₀ 4.86 ± 0.14 µM), and baicalein (IC₅₀ 2.24 ± 0.13 µM). The chemiluminescence method was found more sensitive than the UV method to identify 15-LOX inhibitors. Interestingly all synthesized compounds showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 1.0 ± 1.13 µM ? 367.2 ± 1.23 µM) even better than the standard drug acarbose (IC₅₀ 375.82 ± 1.76 µM), while compound 6c (IC₅₀ 1.0 ± 1.13 µM) and 7c (IC₅₀ 1.1 ± 1.17 µM) were found most potent compounds among the series even many folds better than the standard drug. The cell viability results showed that all compounds were less toxic, maintained cellular viability at the range of 99.8 ± 1.3% to 63.7 ± 1.5%. ADME and molecular docking studies supported drug-likeness and binding interactions of compounds with the targeted enzymes.     

Synthesis, <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glucuronidase</Emphasis> Inhibition,and Molecular Docking Studies of 1,2,4-Triazole Hydrazones

A series of 1,2,4-triazole hydrazones 1–25 has been synthesized and characterized using different spectroscopic techniques including FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, and ESI MS spectrometry. The synthetic derivatives were evaluated for their β-glucuronidase enzyme inhibition properties. Among them, 17 compounds demonstrated potential inhibitory activity towards β-glucuronidase with IC₅₀ values ranging between 2.50 and 53.70 µM. Compounds 1 having IC₅₀?=?2.50?±?0.01 µM was found to be the most active compound of the series and showed remarkable activity and found to be far more potent than the standard d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC₅₀?=?48.4?±?1.25 µM). Furthermore, the possible binding interaction of active compounds was explored by in silico studies. These compounds can be used for anti-diabetic drug development process.     

Synthesis,in vitro lipoxygenase inhibition,docking study and thermal stability analyses of novel indole derivatives

A series of indole derivatives has been synthesized and biologically evaluated to identify potent new lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors. All selected indole derivatives were screened for their LOX inhibition studies. Most of compounds showed good in vitro LOX inhibition properties exhibiting IC₅₀ values in the range of 53.61 ± 0.14 to 198.61 ± 0.11 μM (mean ± SEM), as compared to the standard inhibitor baicalein with IC₅₀ value 22.4 ± 1.3 μM. Structure activity relationship has been discussed and docking stimulation of most active compound 4f has also performed. Thermal stability and melting point of indole derivatives have been performed by thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis under nitrogen atmosphere at heating rate of 20 °C min^?1. Compound 4f bearing bis-phenyl moiety has been found to be the most potent (IC₅₀ 53.61 ± 0.14 μM) and thermally most stable among the tested compounds. Imine (C=N) was found to be the key moiety for increasing the thermal stabilities of indole derivatives. FT-IR, NMR and elemental analysis techniques were performed for structural characterization.     

Synthesis of non-toxic anticancer active forskolin-indole-triazole conjugates along with their in silico succinate dehydrogenase inhibition studies

Biologically important three different pharmacophores, forskolin, indole and 1,2,3-triazoles are coupled to obtain a hybrid molecule. Here, we described the synthesis of novel series of forskolin-indole-triazole conjugates 5a-5l by using the Cu(I) catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. Furthermore, the biological significance of the synthesized molecules was assessed by in silico and in vitro modes. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro anticancer activity against PC-3, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, COLO-205, HeLa, WRL-68, RAJI, CHANG and RAW-264.7 cell lines. Compound 5g was found to be the most potent in all the tested cell lines (IC₅₀ range 9.6–21.66 μg/ml, except COLO-205), 5a, 5b and 5k were observed to exert its effect only against WRL-68 (IC₅₀ range 27.69–48.18 μg/ml), when compared to parent 3 (IC₅₀ > 100 μg/ml, tested concentrations 10–50 μg/ml) and standard Doxorubicin (IC₅₀ range 0.42–3.16 μg/ml). The most potent compound 5g (MEF₅₀ 0.57) was found non-toxic to human erythrocytes as compared to control (MEF₅₀ 0.60) at tested concentration (50 μg/ml). In silico-based succinate dehydrogenase inhibition showed that the synthesized compounds were having potent binding affinity compared to forskolin. Predictive ADMET and toxicity risk assessment analysis revealed that most of the compounds were complying with the standard limit of Lipinski's rule of five for oral bioavailability.     

Abeliaside,a new phenolic glucoside from Abelia triflora

A new phenolic glucoside, abeliaside, along with four known compounds, 5,6,7,4′-tetrahydroxy flavones, caffeic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid and caffeic acid glucoside, was isolated from the leaves of Abelia triflora R. Br. (Caprifoliaceae). The structure of the new compound was elucidated by different spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1–5 were assayed for their anticancer activities against two cancerous human cell lines, MCF-7 and PC-3 cells, and normal Vero cell line using the crystal violet staining method. From the results it could be seen that caffeic acid possessed the highest anticancer effect against MCF-7 (IC₅₀: 17 μg/mL) and PC-3 (IC₅₀: 20.1 μg/mL) compared to vinblastine sulphate as reference drug (IC₅₀: 4.6, 2.8 μg/mL). The other compounds showed weak anticancer activity on both cell lines.     

Design,synthesis, anticancer activity,and in silico studies of novel imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine based 1H-1,2,3-triazole derivatives

A novel series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine based 1H-1,2,3-triazole derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anticancer activity against two different human cancer cell lines. Most of the synthesized compounds displayed anticancer activity with IC₅₀ values from 2.35 to 120.46 μM. Furthermore, compounds 9b , 9c, 9d, 9f , and 9j showed potent inhibitory activity against cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values close to that of standard drug. It is important to note that compound 9d was more potent than the standard drug cisplatin with IC₅₀ values of 10.89 and 2.35 μM against Hela cell line and MCF-7 cell line, respectively.