Mehreen Ghufran

Phytochemical Analysis of Medicinal Plants Occurring in Local Area ofMardan

Medicinal plants have bioactive compounds which are used for curing of various human diseases and also play an important role in healing. Phytochemicals have two categories i.e., primary and secondary constituents. Primary constituents have chlorophyll, proteins sugar and amino acids. Secondary constituents contain terpenoids and alkaloids. Medicinal plants have antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammation activities. The present study involves ten different medicinal plants Acacia nilotica, Psidium gujauva, Luffa cylindrical, Morus alba, Morus nigra, Momordica charantia, Fagonia cretica, Punica granatum, Ficus palmate and Prunus persica locally available in Mardan region of Pakistan. The leaves of the selected medicinal plants were washed, air dried and then powdered. The aqueous extract of leaf samples were used for the phytochemical analysis to find out the phytochemical constituents in the plants. The main objective of the research work was to check the presence or absence of the phytochemical constituents in all the selected medicinal plants. The results of the phytochemical analysis of these medicinal plants showed that the terpenoids, phlobatannins, reducing sugar, flavonoids and alkaloids were found to be present in afore mentioned medicinal plants. The phytochemical analysis of the plants is very important commercially and has great interest in pharmaceutical companies for the production of the new drugs for curing of various diseases. It is expected that the important phytochemical properties recognized by our study in the indigenous medicinal plants of Mardan will be very useful in the curing of various diseases of this region.

In silico identification of promiscuous scaffolds as potential inhibitors of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase for treatment of Falciparum malaria

Abstract Context: Malaria remains one of the prevalent infectious diseases worldwide. Plasmodium falciparum 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (PfDXR) plays a role in isoprenoid biosynthesis in the malaria parasite, making this parasite enzyme an attractive target for antimalarial drug design. Fosmidomycin is a promising DXR inhibitor, which showed safety as well as efficacy against Plasmodium falciparum malaria in clinical trials. However, due to its poor oral bioavailability and non-drug-like properties, the focus of medicinal chemists is to develop inhibitors with improved pharmacological properties. Objective: This study described the computational design of new and potent inhibitors for deoxyxylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase and the prediction of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Material and methods: A complex-based pharmacophore model was generated from the complex X-ray crystallographic structure of PfDXR using MOE (Molecular Operating Environment). Furthermore, MOE-Dock was used as docking software to predict the binding modes of hits and target enzyme. Results: Finally, 14 compounds were selected as new and potent inhibitors of PfDXR on the basis of pharmacophore mapping, docking score, binding energy and binding interactions with the active site residues of the target protein. The predicted pharmacokinetic properties showed improved permeability by efficiently crossing blood–brain barrier. While, in silico promiscuity binding data revealed that these hits also have the ability to bind with other P. falciparum drug targets. Discussion and conclusion: In conclusion, innovative scaffolds with novel modes of action, improved efficacy and acceptable physiochemical/pharmacokinetic properties were computationally identified.

In silico binding analysis and SAR elucidations of newly designed benzopyrazine analogs as potent inhibitors of thymidine phosphorylase

Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) is up regulated in wide variety of solid tumors and therefore presents a remarkable target for drug discovery in cancer. A novel class of extremely potent TPase inhibitors based on benzopyrazine (1-28) has been developed and evaluated against thymidine phosphorylase enzyme. Out of these twenty-eight analogs eleven (11) compounds 1, 4, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24 and 28 showed potent thymidine phosphorylase inhibitory potentials with IC50 values ranged between 3.20±0.30 and 37.60±1.15μM when compared with the standard 7-Deazaxanthine (IC50=38.68±4.42μM). Structure-activity relationship was established and molecular docking studies were performed to determine the binding interactions of these newly synthesized compounds. Current studies have revealed that these compounds established stronger hydrogen bonding networks with active site residues as compare to the standard compound 7DX.

Selective glycosidase inhibitors: A patent review (2012–present)

In the recent decades, the interest on glycosidases has dramatically increased, mainly because these enzymes play a vital role in many biological processes. Based on the biological potential associated to these enzymes, several glycosidase inhibitors have been developed. In this review, the most important inhibitors targeting these enzymes, including the disaccharides, iminosugars, monocyclic iminosugars, bicyclic iminosugars, thiosugars and carbasugars will be discussed and special attention will be given to the ones that are currently used clinically. This review summarizes and characterizes the current knowledge regarding the classes of glycosidase inhibitors that have therapeutic potential in a wide range of diseases. It highlights the patents, relevant research and patent applications filed in the past years in the field. Since the glycosidase inhibitors are involved in several chronic diseases and possibly pandemic, the pharmaceutical research towards developing new generations of these molecules is very important to public health. Most of the glycosidase inhibitors mimics the structures of monosaccharides or oligosaccharides and are well accepted by the organisms since they benefit from privileged drug-like properties. Disaccharides, iminosugars, carbasugars and thiosugars derivatives are the most popular inhibitors among the glycosidase inhibitors.

Synthesis, crystal structure, DNA binding and molecular docking studies of zinc(II) carboxylates

New zinc(II) carboxylate complexes [Zn(3-F-C6H4CH2COO)2]n (1), [Zn3(3-F-C6H4CH2COO)6(Phen)2] (2) and [Zn3(3-F-C6H4CH2COO)6(bipy)2] (3) were synthesized and characterized by atomic absorption, single crystal structural analysis and IR studies. Complex 1 crystallizes as a coordination polymer constituting a web of μ-η1,η1 carboxylate bridged tetrahedral zinc centers. Complexes 2 and 3 comprise trinuclear zinc centers with two terminal fivefold coordinated slightly distorted square-pyramidal and central sixfold coordinated octahedral zinc centers. The complexes were also assessed for their DNA binding ability by UV/-Vis spectroscopy and their behavior rationalized theoretically by molecular docking studies. A DNA binding study has shown groove binding interactions with the complexes.

New Hybrid Hydrazinyl Thiazole Substituted Chromones: As Potential α -Amylase Inhibitors and Radical (DPPH & ABTS) Scavengers

Current research is based on the identification of novel inhibitors of α-amylase enzyme. For that purpose, new hybrid molecules of hydrazinyl thiazole substituted chromones 5–27 were synthesized by multi-step reaction and fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques such as EI-MS, HREI-MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Stereochemistry of the iminic bond was confirmed by NOESY analysis of a representative molecule. All compounds 5–27 along with their intervening intermediates 1–4, were screened for in vitro α-amylase inhibitory, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. All compounds showed good inhibition potential in the range of IC50 = 2.186–3.405 µM as compared to standard acarbose having IC50 value of 1.9 ± 0.07 µM. It is worth mentioning that compounds were also demonstrated good DPPH (IC50 = 0.09–2.233 µM) and ABTS (IC50 = 0.584–3.738 µM) radical scavenging activities as compared to standard ascorbic acid having IC50 = 0.33 ± 0.18 µM for DPPH and IC50 = 0.53 ± 0.3 µM for ABTS radical scavenging activities. In addition to that cytotoxicity of the compounds were checked on NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line and found to be non-toxic. In silico studies were performed to rationalize the binding mode of compounds (ligands) with the active site of α-amylase enzyme.

Synthesis, in vitro β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity and in silico studies of novel (E)-4-Aryl-2-(2-(pyren-1-ylmethylene)hydrazinyl)thiazoles.

Current research is based on the synthesis of novel (E)-4-aryl-2-(2-(pyren-1-ylmethylene)hydrazinyl)thiazole derivatives (3-15) by adopting two steps route. First step was the condensation between the pyrene-1-carbaldehyde (1) with the thiosemicarbazide to afford pyrene-1-thiosemicarbazone intermediate (2). While in second step, cyclization between the intermediate (2) and phenacyl bromide derivatives or 2-bromo ethyl acetate was carried out. Synthetic derivatives were structurally characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as EI-MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Stereochemistry of the iminic double bond was confirmed by NOESY analysis. All pure compounds 2-15 were subjected for in vitro β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity. All molecules were exhibited excellent inhibition in the range of IC50=3.10±0.10-40.10±0.90μM and found to be even more potent than the standard d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC50=48.38±1.05μM). Molecular docking studies were carried out to verify the structure-activity relationship. A good correlation was perceived between the docking study and biological evaluation of active compounds.

New Hybrid Scaffolds based on Hydrazinyl Thiazole Substituted Coumarin; As Novel Leads of Dual Potential; In Vitro α-Amylase Inhibitory and Antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS Radical Scavenging) Activities

BACKGROUND Despite many side effects associated, there are many drugs which are being clinically used for the treatment of type-II diabetes mellitus (DM). In this scenario, there is still need to develop new therapeutic agents with more efficacy and less side effects. By keeping in mind the diverse spectrum of biological potential associated with coumarin and thiazole, a hybrid class based on these two heterocycles was synthesized. METHOD Hydrazinyl thiazole substituted coumarins 4-20 were synthesized via two step reaction. First step was the acid catalyzed reaction of 3-formyl/acetyl coumarin derivatives with thiosemicarbazide to form thiosemicarbazone intermediates 1-3, followed by the reaction with different phenacyl bromides to afford products 4-20. All the synthetic analogs 4-20 were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques such as EI-MS, HREI-MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Stereochemical assignment of the iminic double bond was carried out by the NOESY experiments. Elemental analysis was found in agreement with the calculated values. RESULTS Compounds 4-20 were screened for α-amylase inhibitory activity and showed good activity in the range of IC50 = 1.829 ± 0.102-3.37 ± 0.17 µM as compared to standard acarbose (IC50 = 1.819 ± 0.19 µM). Compounds were also investigated for their DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and displayed good radical scavenging potential. In addition to that molecular modelling study was conducted on all compounds to investigate the interaction details of compounds 4- 20 (ligands) with active site (receptor) of enzyme. CONCLUSION The newly identified hybrid class may serve as potential lead candidates for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Antimicrobial efficiency of diorganotin(IV) bis-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylacrylate]

Abstract Four new diorganotin(IV) carboxylates, [n-Bu2SnL2] (1), [Et2SnL2] (2), [Me2SnL2] (3) and [n-Oct2SnL2] (4), where L = 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylacrylate, were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C, and 119Sn) and X-ray single crystal analysis for 1. A chelating bidentate ligand and six-coordinate tin centers were confirmed in the solid state by IR for all complexes and for 1 by X-ray single crystal analysis. The NMR study has shown a decrease in the coordination number of tin in solution. The complexes were screened for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. A compromised lipo/hydrophilicity and a diffusion controlled antimicrobial activity was shown by the complexes in the order 1 > 2>3 > 4. Molecular docking studies have shown hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions for 1 with the target proteins of the antimicrobial strains. Graphical Abstract

Chalcones and Bis -Chalcones: As Potential α -Amylase Inhibitors; Synthesis, In Vitro Screening, and Molecular Modelling Studies

Despite of a diverse range of biological activities associated with chalcones and bis-chalcones, they are still neglected by the medicinal chemist for their possible α-amylase inhibitory activity. So, the current study is based on the evaluation of this class for the identification of new leads as α-amylase inhibitors. For that purpose, a library of substituted chalcones 1-13 and bis-chalcones 14-18 were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques EI-MS and 1H NMR. CHN analysis was carried out and found in agreement with the calculated values. All compounds were evaluated for in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity and demonstrated good activities in the range of IC50 = 1.25 ± 1.05-2.40 ± 0.09 µM as compared to the standard acarbose (IC50 = 1.04 ± 0.3 µM). Limited structure-activity relationship (SAR) was established by considering the effect of different groups attached to aryl rings on varying inhibitory activity. SMe group in chalcones and OMe group in bis-chalcones were found more influential on the activity than other groups. However, in order to predict the involvement of different groups in the binding interactions with the active site of α-amylase enzyme, in silico studies were also conducted.