10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.04.020
The research primarily investigates the binding affinity of various flavonoids to the μ-opioid receptor and evaluates the antinociceptive effects of a synthetic flavonoid, 3,3-dibromo?avanone, in mice. The study employs in vitro binding assays using [3H]DAMGO to assess the interaction of different flavonoids with μ-opioid receptors in rat forebrain membranes. The most potent compound, 3,3-dibromo?avanone, is further synthesized and tested in vivo using several pain models, including the acetic acid-induced writhing test, hot plate test, and formalin test, to evaluate its antinociceptive properties. Additional experiments assess potential side effects such as sedation, motor coordination, and gastrointestinal transit inhibition. The synthetic procedure for 3,3-dibromo?avanone is described, and its chemical structure is analyzed using techniques like NMR and EIMS. A series of natural and synthetic flavonoids were tested for their binding affinity to μ-opioid receptors. These included hesperidin, neohesperidin, naringin, rutin, hesperetin, naringenin, flavone, diosmetin, quercetin, apigenin, chrysin, among others. These compounds were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Extrasynthese, or were synthesized in the laboratory. The study concludes that 3,3-dibromo?avanone exhibits μ-opioid receptor activation-related antinociceptive effects without significant motor or gastrointestinal side effects, suggesting its potential as an alternative pain treatment.
10.1016/j.ica.2009.07.008
The research investigates the interaction of a novel hesperetin Schiff base ligand (H4L) and its copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes with DNA, as well as their antioxidative properties. The study aims to explore the binding mechanisms of these compounds to DNA and their potential as antitumor drugs and antioxidants. Key chemicals used include hesperetin, benzoyl hydrazine, copper(II) acetate, zinc(II) acetate, and calf thymus DNA. The researchers synthesized the ligand and its complexes and characterized them using various spectroscopic techniques. They found that all compounds bind to DNA through an intercalative mode, with the metal complexes showing stronger binding affinity than the free ligand. Additionally, the complexes exhibited higher antioxidative activity in scavenging superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals compared to the ligand. The findings suggest that these metal complexes could be valuable candidates for developing new antitumor drugs and antioxidants.