Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE
(ISSN 1009-3095, Monthly)
2005 Vol. 6B No. 7 p.617-621
Synthesis and evaluation of 4-substituted semicarbazones of levulinic acid for anticonvulsant activity
AGGARWAL Navneet1, MISHRA Pradeep2
(1Lachoo Memorial College of Science and Technology, Pharmacy Wing, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342003, India)
(2Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar, M.P. 470003, India)
E-mail: contactnavneet@yahoo.com; mishrap51@yahoo.com
Received Dec. 9, 2004; revision accepted Feb. 9, 2005
Abstract: Objective: A series of 4-aryl substituted semicarbazones of levulinic acid (4-oxo pentanoic acid) was designed and synthesized to meet the structural requirements essential for anticonvulsant activity. Methods: All the compounds were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. Anticonvulsant activity was determined after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration to mice by maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous metrazol (ScMet) induced seizure methods and minimal motor impairment was determined by rotorod test. Results: A majority of the compounds exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity after intraperitoneal administration. In the present study 4-(4′-fluoro phenyl) levulinic acid semicarbazone emerged as the most active molecule, showing broad spectrum of activity with low neurotoxicity. Unsubstituted levulinic acid semicarbazone was found to be inactive in all the screens. Conclusion: The results obtained validate the hypothesis that presence of an aryl group near the semicarbazone moiety is essential for anticonvulsant activity. The results also indicate that the hydrophilic-hydrophobic site can accommodate hydrophilic groups.
Key words: Substituted semicarbazones, Anticonvulsant, Levulinic acid
doi:10.1631/jzus.2005.B0617 CLC number: R914.5