Synthesis of some novel chalcones, flavanones and flavones and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory activity

•A novel series of chalcones, flavanones and flavones have been synthesized.•Compounds 1a, 1e–g, 2e–g, 3j, and 4f showed potent anti-inflammatory activity.•Most potent compound 1f showed very mild inhibition against COX-1 and COX-2.•Compound 1f also significantly inhibited the TNF-α level.

A novel series of synthetic 2′-hydroxychalcones (1a–h), 2′-methoxychalcones (2a–l), flavanones (3a–k) and flavones (4a–f) have been synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw oedema model. Compounds 1a, 1e–g, 2e–g, 3j, and 4f showed potent anti-inflammatory activity comparable to the reference drug indomethacin with insignificant ulceration. Compound 1f showed mild inhibition against the enzymatic activity of ovine COX-1 and COX-2 (in-vitro). Compound 1f also exhibited inhibitory activity in LPS induced TNF-α production.

Graphical abstractAnti-inflammatory activity of synthesized novel flavonoid derivatives was evaluated. Most active compound 1f showed mild inhibition on the activity of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes and significantly inhibited the TNF-α level.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide