Abstract
In this review, a timeline starting at the willow bark and ending in the latest discoveries of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs will be discussed. Furthermore, the chemical features of the different small organic molecules that have been used in pain management will be studied. Then, the mechanism of different types of pain will be assessed, including neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, and the relationship found between oxidative stress and pain. This will include obtaining insights into the cyclooxygenase action mechanism of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen and etoricoxib and the structural difference between the two cyclooxygenase isoforms leading to a selective inhibition, the action mechanism of pregabalin and its use in chronic neuropathic pain, new theories and studies on the analgesic action mechanism of paracetamol and how changes in its structure can lead to better characteristics of this drug, and cannabinoid action mechanism in managing pain through a cannabinoid receptor mechanism. Finally, an overview of the different approaches science is taking to develop more efficient molecules for pain treatment will be presented.
Highlights
Inflammation is a very complex self-defense biological process to protect the body against harmful stimuli including pathogens, physical injury, or contact with irritant substances [1]
Synthesizing amides and esters of known inhibitors such as meclofenamic acid [93] and indomethacin [94] resulted in compounds with interesting COX-2 inhibition properties
Salix species contains salicin, which is the main active ingredient helping reduce pain and inflammation in conjunction with other compounds such as flavonoids. This compound was used as starting material to produce one of the most famous anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin
Summary
Inflammation is a very complex self-defense biological process to protect the body against harmful stimuli including pathogens, physical injury, or contact with irritant substances [1]. The basis of selective inhibition lies in the large Ile523 on the entrance of the side pocket which prevents bulk and rigid functional groups such as the sulfamoyl or sulfonyl from interacting with the COX-1 side pocket [34] Compounds such as MK-2894 (28; Figure 2) [43] have been discovered to be potent COX-2 inhibitors when looking for novel and effective treatments. Synthesizing amides and esters of known inhibitors such as meclofenamic acid [93] and indomethacin [94] resulted in compounds with interesting COX-2 inhibition properties In this sense, it has been shown that indomethacin esters and amides are slow, tight-binding COX-2-selective inhibitors eliminating gastric side effects.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
