Spectroscopic and quantum/classical mechanics based computational studies to compare the ability of Andrographolide and its derivative to inhibit Nitric Oxide Synthase

An insight into the pharmacological and analytical potential of Andrographolide

Andrographis paniculata is an annual medicinal herb from the family Acanthaceae. Andrographolide is generally considered an essential bioactive component of plant A. paniculata. Since ancient times, it has been widely recognized for its therapeutic qualities and has attracted the scientific and medical communities' attention. This review summarizes the molecular, clinical, and in vitro research of compound andrographolide and its mechanism of action. Andrographolide, when combined with other enhancing agents, offers a wide variety of health benefits. The therapeutic potential of andrographolide has been exemplified and exhibited by directly regulating genes and indirectly interacting with small molecules and different enzymes. This review compiles and consolidates the pharmacological action of andrographolide and its analogs and deciphers the gaps that have hindered its use in medicinal research.

Synthesis, extracorporeal nephrotoxicity, and 3D-QSAR of andrographolide derivatives

Andrographolide is a traditional Chinese medicine monomer with many pharmacological activities, but has potential nephrotoxicity. Here, we aim to investigate the relationship between modification of andrographolide structure and its nephrotoxicity. Twenty-three andrographolide derivatives were synthesized, and their structures were confirmed by ¹ H-NMR and HRMS. Nephrotoxicity of these compounds against human renal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. The results indicated that most of them had significantly reduced nephrotoxicity, especially compounds III, V, and IX_c , with IC₅₀ values of 1,985, 1,300, and 806.9 μmol/L, respectively, which were obviously superior to andrographolide (IC₅₀ 30.60 μmol/L). However, compounds I_a -I_f (IC₅₀ values < 30 μmol/L), the 14-OH derivatives of andrographolide, showed higher nephrotoxicity than that of andrographolide. Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models of COMFA and COMSIA were established (COMFA: q²  = 0.639, r²  = 0.951; COMSIA: q²  = 0.569, r²  = 0.857). This model allowed proposing five new compounds with lower theoretical nephrotoxicity, which would be worthwhile to synthesize and evaluate. We believe that predicted models will help us to understand the structural modification requirements of andrographolide to reduce the nephrotoxicity, and further investigations will be needed to determine the mechanism involved in the effect of less nephrotoxic compounds.

Detailed quantum mechanical, molecular docking, QSAR prediction, photovoltaic light harvesting efficiency analysis of benzil and its halogenated analogues

The structural, spectroscopic various physico-chemical and biological characteristics of the organic molecule benzil (BZL) and derivatives, 1,2-bis(4-methylphneyl)-1,2-ethanedione (DMB), 4,4′-difluorobenzil (DFB), 4,4′-dichlorobenzil (DCB) and 4,4′-dibromobenzil (DBB) have been studied by various computational methods. The experimental and scaled simulated Raman and IR spectra were compared and found close agreement. Assignments of important peaks are also presented. Detailed information pertaining to the local and global reactivity and other properties like electrophilic and nucleophilic characteristics were analysed. The hyperactive pressure was measured in terms of polarizability and corresponding biological properties were validated to identity reactive sites. Prediction of Activity Spectral Studies (PASS) predicts the biological activity of the compounds and it is found that the candidate molecules can be used as feruloyl esterase inhibitor, bisphosphoglycerate phosphatase inhibitor and Prolylaminopeptidase inhibitor. The crystals structures of those receptors are taken from the protein data bank and docking studies indicates stable complex with the receptors and candidate molecules. Light harvesting efficiency, followed by photovoltaic modelling shows that DMB is the best compound to be used in the DSSC to get the best output.