In vitro and in silico evaluation of chromene based aroyl hydrazones as anticonvulsant agents

Abstract

Series of aroyl hydrazones of 2H-chromene and coumarin carbaldehydes were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity. Further docking study on gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor was performed to elucidate their mechanisms of action. The highest protection was demonstrated by 2-furyl substituted 2H-chromene 8b in the maximal electroshock test (ED50 = 12.51 mg kg−1, PI MES > 23.98) and the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole tests (ED50 = 127.10 mg kg−1). Furyl-substituted derivative 4b (ED50 = 68.66 mg kg−1) was the most active in the maximal electroshock test while methoxyphenyl-substituted derivate 4c was the most active in the 6-Hz test (ED50 = 94.34 mg kg−1). None of the compounds displayed neurotoxicity in the rota-rod test. In silico assessment of their blood-brain barrier permeability indicated them as central nervous system active agents. The results suggest that coumarin/2H-chromene aroyl hydrazones scaffold deserve further evaluation in models of epilepsy and derivatization.