Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of aurones as potential neuroprotective agents

Abstract

Aim: To synthesize aurone (Ar) derivatives and to demonstrate their effects against diabetes mellitus (DM) and neurodegeneration. Materials & methods: Five Ar (A–E) derivatives were synthesized, characterized by proton NMR and screened for antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-cholinesterase activities. They were further evaluated for neuroprotective effects in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced neurodegenerative model. Results: Among the aurone derivatives ArE demonstrated significant reversal of cognitive impairment, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Biochemical analysis revealed anti-diabetic and neuroprotective effects, possibly through downregulation of inflammatory markers and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: Synthesized Ar (A–E) exhibits promising therapeutic potential against STZ-induced neurodegeneration and DM by modulating inflammatory and oxidative pathways, suggesting a novel avenue for disease management.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Article highlights

• Synthesis and characterization of aurone derivatives.

• In vitro evaluation of synthesized aurones for anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-cholinesterase activities.

• The synthesized aurones reduced neurodegeneration in the streptozotosin induced memory impairment model.

• Among ArC, ArD and ArE demonstrated significant effects in reducing neuroinflammation.

Keywords: :

• aurones
• diabetes mellitus
• neurodegeneration
• neuroinflammation
• oxidative stress
• streptozotocin

Supplemental material

Supplementary data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/17568919.2024.2363713

Financial disclosure

This work was supported by the Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (Grant No. PSAU/2024/R/1445). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (Grant No. PSAU/2024/R/1445).