Synthesis of selenoeupatilin and selenosinensetin as potential neuroprotective agents

Abstract

Eupatilin is a flavonid extracted from Artemisia asiatica. Sinensetin has a similar structure with eupatilin and is extracted from Orthosiphon stamineus and orange oil. They have beneficial effects like as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity Selenium has been used as health functional food for antioxidant activity. In addition, the recent studies suggest that organoselenium compounds are less toxic than inorganic selenium compounds. Organoselenium compounds began to receive more attention.Selenoeupatilin and selenosinensetin, which have selenium in the middle ring instead of oxygen, are being synthesized. The allyl group was selected to protect the hydroxyl groups in the left-side ring of selenoeupatilin after many complications. The methoxy groups of the right-side ring were protected with acetonide to make them stable in some of reaction conditions. The propynone derivatives connected with both side rings were synthesized by Friedel-Crafts acylation. These are going to be cyclized by selenium powder and the synthesis of selenoeupatilin and selenosinensetin will be completed. These compounds are expected to have better antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and also effective as neuroprotective agents with advanced BBB (Blood-Brain Barrier) penetration.