Synthesis and evaluation of novel rutaecarpine derivatives and related alkaloids derivatives as selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

A series of novel rutaecarpine derivatives and related alkaloid derivatives 3-aminoalkanamido-substituted rutaecarpine 4a–f and 7,8-dehydrorutaecarpine 5a–c, and 6-aminoalkanamido-substituted 3-[2-(3-Indolyl)ethyl]-4(3a)-quinazolinones 8a–c, were synthesized and subjected to pharmacological evaluation as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. The synthetic compounds exhibited strong inhibitory activity for AChE and high selectivity for AChE over BuChE. The structure–activity relationships were discussed and their binding conformation and simultaneous interactions mode were further clarified by kinetic characterization and the molecular docking studies.

Graphical abstractThe synthesis of 5c with strong inhibitory activity for AChE and high selectivity for AChE over BuChE (ID50 = 10 nM, Selectivity Index = 539) is reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide