New pyrrolopyridine-based thiazolotriazoles as diabetics inhibitors: enzymatic kinetics and in silico study

Aim: To synthesize pyrrolopyridine-based thiazolotriazoles as a novel class of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors and to determine their enzymatic kinetics. Methodology: Pyrrolopyridine-based thiazolotriazole analogs (1-24) were synthesized and characterized through proton nuclear magnetic resonance, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution electron ionization mass spectrometry. Results: All synthesized analogs displayed good inhibitory potential of α-amylase and α-glucosidase ranging 17.65-70.7 μM and 18.15-71.97 μM, respectively, compared with the reference drug, acarbose (11.98 μM and 12.79 μM). Analog 3 was the most potent among the synthesized analogs, having α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity at 17.65 and 18.15 μM, respectively. The structure-activity relationship and binding modes of interactions between selected analogs were confirmed via docking and enzymatic kinetics studies. The compounds (1-24) were tested for cytotoxicity against the 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line and were observed to be nontoxic.

Usnic acid as potential inhibitors of BCL2 and P13K protein through network pharmacology-based analysis, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation

Usnic acid (UA) lately piqued the interest of researchers for its extraordinary biological characteristics, including anticancer activity. Here, the mechanism was clarified through network pharmacology,molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation. Sixteen proteins were selected through network pharmacology study as they are probable to interact with UA. Out of these proteins, 13 were filtered from PPI network analysis based on their significance of interactions (p < 0.05). KEGG pathway analysis has also aided us in determining the three most significant protein targets for UA, which are BCL2, PI3KCA and PI3KCG. Therefore molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations throughout 100 ns were performed for usnic acid onto the three proteins mentioned. However, UA's docking score in all proteins is lower than their co-crystalised ligand, especially for BCL2 (-36.5158 kcal/mol) and PI3KCA (-44.5995 kcal/mol) proteins. The only exception is PI3KCG which has comparable results with the co-crystallised ligand with (-41.9351 kcal/mol). Furthermore, MD simulation has also revealed that usnic acid does not stay fit in the protein throughout the simulation trajectory for PI3KCA protein evident from RMSF and RMSD plots. Nevertheless, it still poses good ability in inhibiting BCL2 and PI3KCG protein in MD simulation. In the end, usnic acid has exhibited good potential in the inhibition of PI3KCG proteins, rather than the other proteins mentioned. Thus further study on structural modification of usnic acid could enhance the ability of usnic acid in the inhibition of PI3KCG as anti-colorectal and anti-small cell lung cancer drug candidate.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Virtual screening of bioactive anti-SARS-CoV natural products and identification of 3β,12-diacetoxyabieta-6,8,11,13-tetraene as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its infection related pathways by MD simulation and network pharmacology

Since the first prevalence of COVID-19 in 2019, it still remains the most devastating pandemic throughout the world. The current research aimed to find potential natural products to inhibit the novel coronavirus and associated infection by MD simulation and network pharmacology approach. Molecular docking was performed for 39 natural products having potent anti-SARS-CoV activity. Five natural products showed high binding interaction with the viral main protease for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, where 3β,12-diacetoxyabieta-6,8,11,13 tetraene showed stable binding in MD simulation until 100 ns. Both 3β,12-diacetoxyabieta-6,8,11,13 tetraene and tomentin A targeted 11 common genes that are related to COVID-19 and interact with each other. Gene ontology development analysis further showed that all these 11 genes are attached to various biological processes. The KEGG pathway analysis also showed that the proteins that are targeted by 3β,12-diacetoxyabieta-6,8,11,13 tetraene and tomentin A are associated with multiple pathways related to COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, the ADMET and MDS studies reveals 3β,12-diacetoxyabieta-6,8,11,13 as the best-suited compound for oral drug delivery.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Bio-Oriented Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies of 1,2,4-Triazole Based Derivatives as Potential Anti-Cancer Agents against HepG2 Cell Line

Triazole-based acetamides serve as important scaffolds for various pharmacologically active drugs. In the present work, structural hybrids of 1,2,4-triazole and acetamides were furnished by chemically modifying 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propanoic acid (1). Target compounds 7a-f were produced in considerable yields (70-76%) by coupling the triazole of compound 1 with different electrophiles under different reaction conditions. These triazole-coupled acetamide derivatives were verified by physiochemical and spectroscopic (HRMS, FTIR, 13CNMR, and 1HNMR,) methods. The anti-liver carcinoma effects of all of the derivatives against a HepG2 cell line were investigated. Compound 7f, with two methyl moieties at the ortho-position, exhibited the highest anti-proliferative activity among all of the compounds with an IC50 value of 16.782 µg/mL. 7f, the most effective anti-cancer molecule, also had a very low toxicity of 1.190.02%. Molecular docking demonstrates that all of the compounds, especially 7f, have exhibited excellent binding affinities of -176.749 kcal/mol and -170.066 kcal/mol to c-kit tyrosine kinase and protein kinase B, respectively. Compound 7f is recognized as the most suitable drug pharmacophore for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Insight parameter drug design for human β-tryptase inhibition integrated molecular docking, QSAR, molecular dynamics simulation, and pharmacophore modelling studies of α-keto-[1,2,4]-oxadiazoles

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is severe dengue with a hallmark of vascular leakage. β-tryptase has been found to promote vascular leakage in DHF patients, which could be a potential target for DHF treatment. This study aims to develop a theoretical background for designing and selecting human β-tryptase inhibitors through computational studies. Thirty-four α-keto-[1,2,3]-oxadiazoles scaffold-based compounds were used to generate 2D-QSAR models and for molecular docking studies with β-tryptase (PDB Code 4A6L). In addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and molecular mechanics generalised born surface area (MM-GBSA) analysis on the binding of the reported most active compound, compound 11e, towards β-tryptase were performed. Finally, a structure-based pharmacophore model was generated. The selected 2D-QSAR models have statistically proven good models by internal and external validation as well as the y-randomization test. The docking results of compound 11e showed lower CDOCKER energy than the 4A6L co-crystallised ligand and a similar binding pattern as the 4A6L co-crystallised ligand. From molecular dynamics simulation, 4A6L in compound 11e bound state has RMSD below 2 Å throughout the 500 ns simulation, indicating the docked complex is stable. Besides, MM-GBSA analysis suggested the 4A6L-compound 11e docked complex (-66.04 Kcal/mol) is structurally as stable as the 4A6L-native ligand co-crystallized structure (-66.84 Kcal/mol). The best pharmacophore model identified features included hydrogen bond acceptor, ionic interaction, hydrophobic interaction, and aromatic ring, which contribute to the inhibitory potency of a compound. This study supplied insight and knowledge for developing novel chemical compounds with improved inhibition of β-tryptase.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

New bis-thiazolidinone based chalcone analogues as effective inhibitors of Alzheimer's disease: Synthesis, molecular docking, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase study

A series of twenty bis -thiazolidinone based chalcone scaffolds (1-20) were synthesized and characterized by using various spectroscopic tools such as HR-EI-MS, 1 HNMR, 13 CNMR and were screened in vitro for their AChE and BuChE inhibition profile. It was noteworthy, that all the synthetic analogues (except analogues 10, 12 and 1 4 , which are found to be inactive) showed moderate to good inhibitory potentials on screening against AchE and BuChE enzymes with IC 50 values ranging from 0.10 ±0.050 to 7.60 ± 0.10 µM and 0.10 ± 0.050µM to 10.70 ± 0.20 µM as compared to standard Donepezil inhibitor (IC 50 = 0.016 ± 0.12 µM), (IC 50 = 4.5 ± 0.11 µM).  Among the current series, analogue 20 (IC 50 = 0.10 ± 0.050µM), (IC 50 = 0.10 ± 0.050µM) bearing trihydroxy substitutions on ortho -, meta - and para -position of both rings A and B , respectively was found to be the most active inhibitor of AChE and BuChE enzymes . Analogue 19 (IC 50 = 0.20 ± 0.050 µM), (IC 50 = 0.20 ± 0.050µM) bearing dihydroxy substitutions on ortho - and meta -position of both ring A and ring B respectively, was identified as the second most potent inhibitor against both these enzymes. Potent analogs were further subjected to molecular docking study to identify the binding interactions with enzymes active site. SAR study was done for all the analogues mostly based on substitution pattern on both ring A and B respectively.

Virtual Screening-Based Identification of Potent DENV-3 RdRp Protease Inhibitors via In-House Usnic Acid Derivative Database

Dengue virus (DENV) is the causative agent of dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic disease and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), transmitted predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions by Aedes aegypti. It infects millions of people and causes thousands of deaths each year, but there is no antiviral drug against DENV. Usnic acid lately piqued the interest of researchers for extraordinary biological characteristics, including antiviral activity. Based on high larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti, this study aims to search usnic acid derivatives as novel anti-DENV agents through a combination of ligand-based and pharmacophore-based virtual screening. One hundred and sixteen (116) usnic acid derivatives were obtained from a database of 428 in-house usnic acid derivatives through pharmacophore filtering steps. Subsequent docking simulation on DENV-3 NS-5 RdRp afforded 41 compounds with a strong binding affinity towards the enzyme. The pharmacokinetics and drug likeness prediction resulted in seven hit compounds, which eventually undergo cytochrome P450 enzyme screening to obtain the lead compound, labelled as 362. In addition, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of lead compound 362 was performed to verify the stability of the docked complex and the binding posture acquired in docking experiments. Overall, the lead compounds have shown a high fit value of pharmacophore, strong binding affinity towards RdRp enzyme, good pharmacokinetics, and drug likeness properties. The discovery of a new usnic acid derivative as a novel anti-DENV agent targeting RdRp could lead to further drug development and optimization to treat dengue.

Biocatalytic modifications of ethynodiol diacetate by fungi, anti-proliferative activity, and acetylcholineterase inhibitory of its transformed products

The fungal transformations of ethynodiol diacetate (1) were investigated for the first-time using Botrytis cinerea, Trichothecium roseum, and R3-2 SP 17. The metabolites obtained are as following: 17α-Ethynyl-17β-acetoxyestr-4-en-3-one-15β-ol (2), 19-nor-17a-ethynyltestosterone (3), and 17α-ethynyl-3β-hydroxy-17β-acetoxyestr-4-ene (4). The new metabolite, 2 (IC₅₀ = 104.8 µM), which has ketone group at C-3, and the β-hydroxyl group at C-15, resulted in an almost equipotent strength with the parent compound (IC₅₀ = 103.3 µM) against proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells. The previously reported biotransformed product, 3, showed almost equal strength to 1 against acetylcholinesterase. Molecular modelling studies were carried out to understand the observed experimental activities, and also to obtain more information on the binding mode and the interactions between the biotransformed products, and enzyme.

Synthesis of new urease enzyme inhibitors as antiulcer drug and computational study

In search of potent urease inhibitor indole analogues (1-22) were synthesized and evaluated for their urease inhibitory potential. All analogues (1-22) showed a variable degree of inhibitory interaction potential having IC₅₀ value ranging between 0.60 ± 0.05 to 30.90 ± 0.90 µM when compared with standard thiourea having IC₅₀ value 21.86 ± 0.90 µM. Among the synthesized analogues, the compounds 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 12, 14, 18, 20 and 22 having IC₅₀ value 3.10 ± 0.10, 1.20 ± 0.10, 4.60 ± 0.10, 0.60 ± 0.05, 5.30 ± 0.20, 2.50 ± 0.10, 7.50 ± 0.20, 3.90 ± 0.10, 3.90 ± 0.10, 2.30 ± 0.05 and 0.90 ± 0.05 µM respectively were found many fold better than the standard thiourea. All other analogues showed better urease interaction inhibition. Structure activity relationship (SAR) has been established for all analogues containing different substituents on the phenyl ring. To understand the binding interaction of most active analogues with enzyme active site docking study were performed.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Evaluation and docking of indole sulfonamide as a potent inhibitor of α-glucosidase enzyme in streptozotocin -induced diabetic albino wistar rats

We have synthesized new hybrid class of indole bearing sulfonamide scaffolds (1-17) as α-glucosidase inhibitors. All scaffolds were found to be active except scaffold 17 and exhibited IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.60 to 51.20 µM in comparison with standard acarbose (IC₅₀ = 42.45 µM). Among the synthesized hybrid class scaffolds 16 was the most potent analogue with IC₅₀ value 1.60 μM, showing many folds better potency as compared to standard acarbose. Whereas, synthesized scaffolds 1-15 showed good α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. Based on α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, Scaffold 16 was chosen due to highest activity in vitro for further evaluation of antidiabetic activity in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The Scaffold 16 exhibited significant antidiabetic activity. All analogues were characterized through ¹H, ¹³CNMR and HR MS. Structure-activity relationship of synthesized analogues was established and confirmed through molecular docking study.

Medroxyprogesterone derivatives from microbial transformation as anti-proliferative agents and acetylcholineterase inhibitors (combined in vitro and in silico approaches)

The fungal transformations of medroxyrogesterone (1) were investigated for the first time using Cunninghamella elegans, Trichothecium roseum, and Mucor plumbeus. The metabolites obtained are as following: 6β, 20-dihydroxymedroxyprogesterone (2), 12β-hydroxymedroxyprogesterone (3), 6β, 11β-dihydroxymedroxyprogesterone (4), 16β-hydroxymedroxyprogesterone (5), 11α, 17-dihydroxy-6α-methylpregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione (6), 11-oxo-medroxyprogesterone (7), 6α-methyl-17α-hydroxypregn-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (8), and 6β-hydroxymedroxyprogesterone (9), 15β-hydroxymedroxyprogesterone (10), 6α-methyl-17α, 11β-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-3, 20-dione (11), 11β-hydroxymedroxyprogesterone (12), and 11α, 20-dihydroxymedroxyprogesterone (13). Among all the microbial transformed products, the newly isolated biotransformed product 13 showed the most potent activity against proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells. Compounds 12, 5, 6, 9, 11, and 3 (in descending order of activity) also showed some extent of activity against SH-SY5Y tumour cell line. The never been reported biotransformed product, 2, showed the most potent inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase. Molecular modelling studies were carried out to understand the observed experimental activities, and also to obtain more information on the binding mode and the interactions between the biotransformed products, and enzyme.

Synthesis of symmetrical bis-Schiff base-disulfide hybrids as highly effective anti-leishmanial agents

Leishmaniasis has affected a wider part of population around the globe. Most often, the existing regiments to battle against leishmaniasis are inadequate and limited. In our ongoing efforts to develop new leishmanicidal agents, we have synthesized a series of novel and symmetrical bis-Schiff base-disulfide hybrids 1-27. Intermediate disulfide was synthesized from corresponding 2-aminothiol followed by reacting the coupled adduct with various aromatic aldehydes. All these compounds showed outstanding inhibition when compared with standard (Table 1). Out of twenty seven analogues, twenty two analogues i.e. 1-5, 7-13, 17-21, 23-27 analogues showed excellent inhibitory potential with EC₅₀ values ranging from 0.010 ± 0.00 to 0.096 ± 0.01 μM while five compounds i.e. 6, 14-16, and 22 showed good inhibitory potential with EC₅₀ values ranging from 0.10 ± 0.00 to 0.137 ± 0.01 μM when compared with the standard Amphotericin B. Structure-activity relationship has been established while molecular docking studies were performed to pin the binding interaction of active molecules. This study will help to develop new antileishmanial lead compounds.

Synthesis, β-glucuronidase inhibition and molecular docking studies of cyano-substituted bisindole hydrazone hybrids

The β-glucuronidase, a lysosomal enzyme, catalyzes the cleavage of glucuronosyl-O-bonds. Its inhibitors play a significant role in different medicinal therapies as they cause a decrease in carcinogen-induced colonic tumors by reducing the level of toxic substances present in the intestine. Among those inhibitors, bisindole derivatives had displayed promising β-glucuronidase inhibition activity. In the current study, hydrazone derivatives of bisindolymethane (1-30) were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity. Twenty-eight analogs demonstrated better activity (IC₅₀ = 0.50-46.5 µM) than standard D-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC₅₀ = 48.4 ± 1.25 µM). Compounds with hydroxyl group like 6 (0.60 ± 0.01 µM), 20 (1.50 ± 0.10 µM) and 25 (0.50 ± 0.01 µM) exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity, followed by analogs with fluorine 21 (3.50 ± 0.10 µM) and chlorine 23 (8.20 ± 0.20 µM) substituents. The presence of hydroxyl group at the aromatic side chain was observed as the main contributing factor in the inhibitory potential. From the docking studies, it was predicted that the active compounds can fit properly in the binding groove of the β-glucuronidase and displayed significant binding interactions with essential residues.

Goniolanceolatins A-H, Cytotoxic Bis-styryllactones from Goniothalamus lanceolatus

Eight new bis-styryllactones, goniolanceolatins A-H (1-8), possessing a rare α,β-unsaturated δ-lactone moiety with a (6S)-configuration, were isolated from the CH₂Cl₂ extract of the stembark and roots of Goniothalamus lanceolatus Miq., a plant endemic to Malaysia. Absolute structures were established through extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR data analysis, in combination with electronic dichroism (ECD) data. All of the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against human lung and colorectal cancer cell lines. Compounds 2 and 4 showed cytotoxicity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.3 to 4.2 μM, and were inactive toward human noncancerous lung and colorectal cells. Compounds 1, 3, 6, 7, and 8 showed moderate to weak cytotoxicity. Docking studies of compounds 2 and 4 showed that they bind with EGFR tyrosine kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 through hydrogen bonding interactions with the important amino acids, including Lys721, Met769, Asn818, Arg157, Ile10, and Glu12.

Thiazole Based Carbohydrazide Derivatives as α-Amylase Inhibitor and Their Molecular Docking Study

In this study we are going to present thiazole based carbohydrazide in search of potent antidiabetic agent as α-amylase inhibitors. Thiazole based carbohydrazide derivatives 1-25 have been synthesized, characterized by 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and EI-MS, and evaluated for α-amylase inhibition. Except compound 11 all analogs showed α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 values from 1.709 ± 0.12 to 3.049 ± 0.25 μM against the standard acarbose (IC50 = 1.637 ± 0.153 μM). Compounds 1, 10, 14, and 20 exhibited outstanding inhibitory potential with IC50 value 1.763 ± 0.03, 1.747 ± 0.20, 1.709 ± 0.12, and 1.948 ± 0.23 μM, respectively, compared with the standard acarbose. Structure activity relationships have been established for the active compounds. To get an idea about the binding interaction of the compounds, molecular docking studies were done.

Synthesis: Small library of hybrid scaffolds of benzothiazole having hydrazone and evaluation of their β-glucuronidase activity

Due to the great biological importance of β-glucuronidase inhibitors, here in this study, we have synthesized a library of novel benzothiazole derivatives (1-30), characterized by different spectroscopic methods and evaluated for β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. Among the series sixteen compounds i.e.1-6, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 20-23 and 26 showed outstanding inhibitory potential with IC₅₀ value ranging in between 16.50 ± 0.26 and 59.45 ± 1.12 when compared with standard d-Saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (48.4 ± 1.25 µM). Except compound 8 and 23 all active analogs showed better potential than the standard. Structure activity relationship has been established.

Molecular hybridization conceded exceptionally potent quinolinyl-oxadiazole hybrids through phenyl linked thiosemicarbazide antileishmanial scaffolds: In silico validation and SAR studies

The high potential of quinoline containing natural products and their derivatives in medicinal chemistry led us to discover a novel series of compounds 6-23 based on the concept of molecular hybridization. Most of the synthesized analogues exhibited potent leishmanicidal potential. The most potent compound (23, IC₅₀=0.10±0.001μM) among the series was found ∼70 times more lethal than the standard drug. The current series 6-23 conceded in the development of fourteen (14) extraordinarily active compounds against leishmaniasis. In silico analysis were also performed to probe the mode of action while all the compounds structure were established by NMR and Mass spectral analysis.

Synthesis and molecular modelling studies of phenyl linked oxadiazole-phenylhydrazone hybrids as potent antileishmanial agents

Molecular hybridization yielded phenyl linked oxadiazole-benzohydrazones hybrids 6-35 and were evaluated for their antileishmanial potentials. Compound 10, a 3,4-dihydroxy analog with IC₅₀ value of 0.95 ± 0.01 μM, was found to be the most potent antileishmanial agent (7 times more active) than the standard drug pentamidine (IC₅₀ = 7.02 ± 0.09 μM). The current series 6-35 conceded in the identification of thirteen (13) potent antileishmanial compounds with the IC₅₀ values ranging between 0.95 ± 0.01-78.6 ± 1.78 μM. Molecular docking analysis against pteridine reductase (PTR1) were also performed to probe the mode of action. Selectivity index showed that compounds with higher number of hydroxyl groups have low selectivity index. Theoretical stereochemical assignment was also done for certain derivatives by using density functional calculations.

Synthesis of novel disulfide and sulfone hybrid scaffolds as potent β-glucuronidase inhibitor

Novel series of disulfide and sulfone hybrid analogs (1-20) were synthesized and characterized through EI-MS and (1)H NMR and evaluated for β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. All synthesized analogs except 13 and 15 showed excellent β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential with IC50 value ranging in between 2.20-88.16μM as compared to standard d-saccharic acid 1,4 lactone (48.4±1.25μM). Analogs 19, 16, 4, 1, 17, 6, 10, 3, 18, 2, 11, 14 and 5 showed many fold potent activity against β-glucuronidase inhibitor. Structure activity relationship showed that substitution of electron withdrawing groups at ortho as well as para position on phenyl ring increase potency. Electron withdrawing groups at meta position on phenyl ring showed slightly low potency as compared to ortho and para position. The binding interactions were confirmed through molecular docking studies.

Syntheses of new 3-thiazolyl coumarin derivatives, in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and molecular modeling studies

3-Thiazolylcoumarin derivatives 1-14 were synthesized via one-pot two step reactions, and screened for in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. All compounds showed inhibitory activity in the range of IC50 = 0.12 ± 0.01-16.20 ± 0.23 μM as compared to standard acarbose (IC50 = 38.25 ± 0.12 μM), and also found to be nontoxic. Molecular docking study was carried out in order to establish the structure-activity relationship (SAR) which demonstrated that electron rich centers at one and electron withdrawing centers at the other end of the molecules showed strong inhibitory activity. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as EI-MS, HREI-MS, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR. CHN analysis was also performed.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel N-arylidenequinoline-3-carbohydrazides as potent β-glucuronidase inhibitors

Thirty N-arylidenequinoline-3-carbohydrazides (1-30) have been synthesized and evaluated against β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. Twenty four analogs showed outstanding β-glucuronidase activity having IC50 values ranging between 2.11±0.05 and 46.14±0.95 than standard d-saccharic acid 1,4 lactone (IC50=48.4±1.25μM). Six analogs showed good β-glucuronidase activity having IC50 values ranging between 49.38±0.90 and 80.10±1.80. Structure activity relationship and the interaction of the active compounds and enzyme active site with the help of docking studies were established. Our study identifies novel series of potent β-glucuronidase inhibitors for further investigation.

Synthesis, molecular docking and α-glucosidase inhibition of 5-aryl-2-(6'-nitrobenzofuran-2'-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles

Twenty derivatives of 5-aryl-2-(6'-nitrobenzofuran-2'-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles (1-20) were synthesized and evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Compounds containing hydroxyl and halogens (1-6, and 8-18) were found to be five to seventy folds more active with IC50 values in the range of 12.75±0.10-162.05±1.65μM, in comparison with the standard drug, acarbose (IC50=856.45±5.60μM). Current study explores the α-glucosidase inhibition of a hybrid class of compounds of oxadiazole and benzofurans. These findings may invite researchers to work in the area of treatment of hyperglycemia. Docking studies showed that most compounds are interacting with important amino acids Glu 276, Asp 214 and Phe 177 through hydrogen bonds and arene-arene interaction.