Synthesis and antileishmanial activity of piperoyl-amino acid conjugates

Eur J Med Chem. 2010 Aug;45(8):3439-45. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2010.04.033.

Abstract

Based on reported antileishmanial activity of naturally occurring alkaloid piperine and amino acid esters, their conjugates were synthesized by the hydrolysis of piperine to piperic acid followed by reaction with amino acid methyl esters. These conjugates were further converted to compounds with free carboxyl group and those with reduced double bonds. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for activity against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. donovani in vitro. All the compounds showed better activity than either piperine or the amino acid methyl esters. Piperoyl-valine methyl ester was the most active compound showing an IC50 of 0.075 mM against the amastigotes. Two active compounds were evaluated for in vivo activity in golden hamster model of leishmaniasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids / chemistry*
  • Amino Acids / chemical synthesis*
  • Amino Acids / chemistry
  • Amino Acids / pharmacology*
  • Amino Acids / toxicity
  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / chemistry
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Benzodioxoles / chemistry*
  • Catalytic Domain
  • Cricetinae
  • Esters / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Leishmania donovani / drug effects*
  • Leishmaniasis / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Models, Molecular
  • Piperidines / chemistry*
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Amino Acids
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Benzodioxoles
  • Esters
  • Piperidines
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • piperine