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Plants need to counter continuous threats posed by the environment, such as pathogen attacks (fungi, viruses, insects, nematodes) and harsh physical conditions (drought, salinity, temperature, exposure to UV radiation). Plants recognize the threat signals through their receptors and sensors and activate defense responses to stabilize against these stresses. The responses include accumulation of secondary metabolites. Enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolites, called elicitation ensures the survival, persistence and competitiveness of the plant. Secondary metabolites include volatile oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, resins etc that have been successfully exploited for vital sources for food additives, flavors, and industrially important pharmaceuticals. The improved production of the secondary metabolites through elicitation has unlocked a new area of research that could have significant economic benefits for the pharmaceutical and therapeutic (including neutraceutical) industry. The present review discusses about the different elicitation methods through various biotic (proteins, carbohydrates, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, fungus, hormones) and abiotic elicitors (heavy metals, low and high temperature, light, salt, drought) that could bring about increased yield of secondary metabolites especially in medicinal plants beneficial to the medicinal and aromatic industry.

A new series of 1,2,4-trioxanes 9a1-a4, 9b1-b4, 10–13 and 9c1-c4 were synthesized and evaluated against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in Swiss mice via oral and intramuscular (i.m.) routes. Adamantane-based trioxane 9b4, the most active compound of the series, provided 100% protection to the infected mice at the dose 48 mg/kg × 4 days and 100% clearance of parasitemia at the dose 24 mg/kg × 4 days via oral route. Adamantane-based trioxane 9b4, is twice active than artemisinin. We have also studied the photooxygenation behaviour of allylic alcohols 6a-b (3-(4-alkoxynaphthyl)-but-2-ene-1-ols) and 6c (3-[4-(tert-butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-naphthalen-1-yl]-but-2-en-1-ol). Being behaving as dienes, they furnished corresponding endoperoxides, while behaving as allylic alcohols, they yielded β-hydroxyhydroperoxides. All the endoperoxides (7a-c) and β-hydroxyhydroperoxides (8a-c) have been separately elaborated to the corresponding 1,2,4-trioxanes, except from endoperoxide 7c. It is worthy to note that TBDMS protected naphthoyl endoperoxide 7c unable to deliver 1,2,4-trioxane, which demonstrated the strength of the O-Si bond is not easy to cleave under acidic condition.

Malaria epidemics represent one of the life-threatening diseases to low-income lying countries which subsequently affect the economic and social condition of mankind. In continuation in the development of a novel series of 1,2,4-trioxanes 13a1-c1, 13a2-c2, and 13a3-c3 have been prepared and further converted into their hemisuccinate derivatives 14a1-c1, 14a2-c2, and 14a3-c3 respectively. All these new compounds were evaluated for their antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in mice by both oral and intramuscular (im) routes. Hydroxy-functionalized trioxane 13a1 showed 80% protection and its hemisuccinate derivative 14a1 showed 100% protection at a dose of 48 mg/kg × 4 days by both routes, which is twice active than artemisinin by oral route.

The present study was carried out in Himachal Pradesh of the Western Himalayas, India to obtain information on the wild edible plants used by the migratory shepherds. The shepherds started their migration in July from Chitkul, Rakchham, Batseri, Sangla and Kamru of district Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh). Questionnaire for the survey, personal field visits and participatory observations were used to collect information about the use of various plants by the migratory shepherds. The shepherds move in a group of 5 to 6 comprising their own family members and size of the flock (of sheep and goats) varied from 654 to 990. The migration route followed from their villages to Churdhar ranges (mid hills) and to Sirmour ranges (low hills). It was observed that in all 50 species were used by shepherds enroute from high hills to low hills. In high hills, 23 species, in mid hills 31 species and in low hills 34 species were found to be used as livelihood source. Some of the plants, besides being used as fruits and vegetables, are also used as herbal tea (bark of Betula utilis) and condiments. Morchella esculenta was found to be one of the delicacies used for food in their tribe. The documentation of plant resources and the indigenous knowledge of shepherds highlighted in the present study is a step in raising awareness about the importance of these edible plants and their further conservation. Key words: Edible plants, sheep, goats, shepherds, seasonal migration, Himachal Pradesh.

A series of short chain 4-aminoquinoline-imidazole derivatives have been synthesized in one pot two step multicomponent reaction using van leusen standard protocol. The diethylamine function of chloroquine is replaced by substituted imidazole derivatives containing tertiary terminal nitrogen. All the synthesized compounds were screened against the chloroquine sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine resistant (K1) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Some of the compounds (6, 8, 9 and 17) in the series exhibited comparable activity to CQ against K1 strain of P. falciparum. All the compounds displayed resistance factor between 0.09 and 4.57 as against 51 for CQ. Further, these analogues were found to form a strong complex with hematin and inhibit the β-hematin formation, therefore these compounds act via heme polymerization target.

Secondary metabolites not only play vital role in plant defense against herbivory and other interspecies defenses but also used by humans as medicines, flavorings, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fragrances, colours, biopesticides, food additives and drugs. Many of the drugs retailed today are simple synthetic modifications of the naturally obtained substances. The developing commercial status of secondary metabolites in recent years has resulted in a great interest in secondary metabolism. Different strategies have been extensively studied with the objective of improving the production of secondary metabolites in plants. Based on this limelight, the focus of the present review is to study the application of plant growth regulators for the production of some essential plant secondary metabolites. This review covers brief introduction of secondary metabolites and plant growth regulators and production of secondary metabolites by using different plant growth regulators according to their classification.

Syncarpamide 1 , a norepinephrine alkaloid isolated from the leaves of Zanthoxylum syncarpum (Rutaceae) exhibited promising antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium falciparum with reported IC 50 values of 2.04 μM (D6 clone), 3.06 μM (W2 clone) and observed by us 3.90 μM (3D7 clone) and 2.56 μM (K1 clone). In continuation of our work on naturally occurring antimalarial compounds, synthesis of syncarpamide 1 and its enantiomer, ( R )- 2 using Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation as a key step has been accomplished. In order to study structure-activity-relationship (SAR) in detail, a library of 55 compounds ( 3 – 57 ), which are analogues/homologues of syncarpamide 1 were synthesized by varying the substituents on the aromatic ring, by changing the stereocentre at the C-7 and/or by varying the acid groups in the ester and/or amide side chain based on the natural product lead molecule and further assayed in vitro against 3D7 and K1 strains of P. falciparum to evaluate their antiplasmodial activities. In order to study the effect of position of functional groups on antiplasmodial activity profile, a regioisomer ( S )- 58 of syncarpamide 1 was synthesized however, it turned out to be inactive against both the strains. Two compounds, ( S )- 41 and its enantiomer, ( R )- 42 having 3,4,5-trimethoxy cinnamoyl groups as side chains showed better antiplasmodial activity with IC 50 values of 3.16, 2.28 μM (3D7) and 1.78, 2.07 μM (K1), respectively than the natural product, syncarpamide 1 . Three compounds ( S )- 13 , ( S )- 17 , ( S )- 21 exhibited antiplasmodial activities with IC 50 values of 6.39, 6.82, 6.41 μM against 3D7 strain, 4.27, 7.26, 2.71 μM against K1 strain and with CC 50 values of 147.72, 153.0, >200 μM respectively. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity data of synthesized library suggests that the electron density and possibility of resonance in both the ester and amide side chains increases the antiplasmodial activity as compared to the parent natural product 1 . The natural product syncarpamide 1 and four analogues/homologues out of the synthesized library of 55, ( S )- 41 , ( R )- 42 , ( S )- 55 and ( S )- 57 were assayed in vivo assay against chloroquine-resistant P. yoelii (N-67) strain of Plasmodium . However, none of the five molecules, 1 , ( S )- 41 , ( R )- 42 , ( S )- 55 and ( S )- 57 exhibited any promising in vivo antimalarial activity against P. yoelii (N-67) strain. Compounds 4 , 6 , 7 and 11 showed high cytotoxicities with CC 50 values of 5.87, 5.08, 6.44 and 14.04 μM, respectively. Compound 6 was found to be the most cytotoxic as compared to the standard drug, podophyllotoxin whereas compounds 4 and 7 showed comparable cytotoxicities to podophyllotoxin.

Primaquine (PQ) is the only drug used to prevent relapse of malaria due to P. vivax and P. ovale, by eradicating the dormant liver form of the parasite (hypnozoites). The side-effects associated with PQ limits is uses in treatment of malaria. To overcome the premature oxidative deamination and to increase the life span of drug in the biological system, the novel glyco-conjugates of PQ were synthesized by coupling of primaquine with hexoses in phosphate buffer. The saccharide part of the hybrid molecules thought to direct the drug to the liver, where hypnozoites resides. All the synthesized compounds were fully characterized and evaluated for their radical curative activities. The three compounds viz glucoside (15a), galactoside (15b) and mannoside (15c) with high activity were tested for their activity in rhesus monkeys where the most active compound 15b showed twofold activity (100% radical curative activity at 1.92 mmol/kg) than the standard drug PQ diphosphate (3.861 mmol/kg). It is proposed that results from these studies may be advantageous to develop a new potent tissue schizonticide antimalarial compound.

A new series of ester analogues of artemisinin 8a-f, incorporating diphenylmethyl as pharmacologically privileged substructure, and 8g-j have been prepared and evaluated for their antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in Swiss mice via oral route. These diphenylmethyl-based ester analogues 8a-f were found to be 2-4 folds more active than the antimalarial drugs β-arteether 4 and artesunic acid 5. Ester 8a, the most active compound of the series, provided complete protection to the infected mice at 24 mg/kg × 4 days as well as 12 mg/kg × 4 days, respectively. In this model β-arteether provided 100% and 20% protection at 48 mg/kg × 4 days and 24 mg/kg × 4 days, respectively.

As part of Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative's lead optimization program for the development of new chemical entities to treat visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a series of aminothiazoles were synthesized and screened for in vitro efficacy, solubility and microsomal stability. The primary aim of identifying a lead structure with sub-micromolar activity was achieved. Out of 43 compounds synthesized, 16 compounds showed in vitro activity at less than 1 μM against VL. Compound 32 showed excellent antileishmanial potency (IC50 = 3 nM) and had all the acceptable properties except for metabolic instability. Blocking the metabolic soft spots in compound 32, where the 4-methoxy pyridine substituent was replaced by 5-ethoxy group, led to compound 36 (IC50 = 280 nM) with improved stability. To understand the disposition of 36, in vivo pharmacokinetic study was conducted in a mouse model. Compound 36 showed high clearance (91 mL/min/kg); short half-life (0.48 h) after intravenous administration (1 mg/kg) and exposure (AUC0-24) following oral administration was 362 ng h/mL with absolute bioavailability of 8%. To summarize, 43 analogs were synthesized out of which 15 compounds showed very potent sub-nanomolar efficacy in in vitro systems but the liability of metabolic instability seemed to be the major challenge for this chemical class and remains to be addressed.

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a high value medicinal plant. It synthesizes a large array of biologically active withanolides. The impact of photoperiod on morphological, physiological, biochemical parameters and neuroactive constituent with anolides has been studied. In light treatments (blue light) one month old plants were exposed to different light regimes (8 h, 12 h, 16 h, 20 h and 24 h) with constant at 22 h with light intensity of 55 μmol. The light treatments significantly decreased stem length, root length, fresh weight and dry weight in all the treatments except 8 h and 12 h photoperiods, where there was marginal increase in stem length due to etiolation effect. Changes in leaf area, membrane stability and relative water content was also observed and decreased with stress. Total carbohydrates, protein, carotenoids, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and alkaloids were decreased. The antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2, 2’-azino-bis-3ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) enhanced due to stress treatments. Withanolides were found to be higher in long photoperiod treated plants. W. somnifera was found to have protective defence mechanism against oxidative damage by maintaining higher enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.

A series of novel 4-aminoquinolinyl and 9-anilinoacridinyl Schiff base hydrazones have been synthesized and evaluated for their antimalarial activity. All compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antimalarial activity against chloroquine-sensitive strain 3D7 and the chloroquine-resistant K1 strain of Plasmodium falciparum and for cytotoxicity toward Vero cells. Compounds 17, 20, and 21 displayed good activity against the 3D7 strain with IC50 values ranging from 19.69 to 25.38 nm. Moreover, compounds 16, 17, 21, 24, 32, and 33 exhibited excellent activities (21.64-54.26 nm) against K1 strain and several compounds displayed β-hematin inhibitory activity, suggesting that they act on the heme crystallization process such as CQ. Compounds were also found to be non-toxic with good selectivity index.

By use of artemisinin 1 as the starting material, two new amino- and hydroxy-functionalized 11-azaartemisinins 9 and 11 and their derivatives 12a-g, 13a-g, 14a-g, and 15a-c have been prepared and screened for antimalarial activity by oral route against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii in Swiss mice. While azaartemisinins 9 and 11 showed only modest activity, several of their derivatives showed high order of antimalarial activity. Biphenyl-based compound 13f, the most active compound of the series, provided 100% and 80% protection to the infected mice at 12 mg/kg × 4 days and 6 mg/kg × 4 days, respectively. Compounds 12f, 13b, 13e, 13g, and 14f showed 100% protection at 12 mg/kg × 4 days, while compounds 12a-c, 14a, 14c-e, 14g, and 15a-c showed similar levels of protection at 24 mg/kg × 4 days. Clinically useful drug β-arteether provided 100% protection at 48 mg/kg × 4 days and 20% protection at 24 mg/kg × 4 days in this model.

An ethanolic extract (A001) of the leaves and twigs of Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr., was purified to give a new phenolic glycoside, 2-(2-benzoyl-β- d -glucopyranosyloxy)-7-(1α,2α,6α-trihydroxy-3-oxocyclohex-4-enoyl)-5-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (1) together with poliothrysoside (2), catechin-[5,6-e]-4β-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)dihydro-2(3H)-pyranone (3), 2-(6-benzoyl-β- d -glucopyranosyloxy)-7-(1α,2α,6α-trihydroxy-3-oxocyclohex-4-enoyl)-5-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (4), chrysoeriol-7-O-β- d -glucopyranoside (5), and mururin A (6). Compound 6 significantly inhibited the in vitro growth of both a chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and a chloroquine-resistant (K1) strain of Plasmodium falciparum. It forms a complex with hematin and inhibits β-hematin formation, suggesting that this compound act on a heme polymerization target.

In the present study we have synthesized a new class of 4-aminoquinolines and evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro (3D7-sensitive strain & K1-resistant strain) and Plasmodium yoelii in vivo (N-67 strain). Among the series, eleven compounds (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 21) showed superior antimalarial activity against K1 strain as compared to CQ. In addition, all these analogues showed 100% suppression of parasitemia on day 4 in the in vivo mouse model against N-67 strain when administered orally. Further, biophysical studies suggest that this series of compounds act on heme polymerization target.

A series of novel bisquinoline compounds comprising, N1-(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl) ethane-1,2-diamine and 7-chloro-N-(2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)quinolin-4-amine connected with 7-chloro-4-aminoquinoline containing various amino acids is described. We have bio-evaluated the compounds against both chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (K1) strains of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Among the series, compounds 4 and 7 exhibited 1.8 and 10.6 fold superior activity as compared to chloroquine (CQ) (IC50 = 0.255±0.049 μM) against the K1 strain with IC50 values 0.137±0.014 and 0.026±0.007 μM respectively. Furthermore, compound 7 also displayed promising activity against the 3D7 strain (IC50 = 0.024±0.003 μM) of P. falciparum when compared to CQ. All the compounds in the series displayed resistance factor between 0.57 and 4.71 as against 51 for CQ. These results suggest that bisquinolines can be explored for further development as new antimalarial agents active against chloroquine resistant P. falciparum. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A new series of bile acid-based trioxanes 23a-d, 24a-d, 25a-d, 26a, 26b, and 26d have been synthesized and assessed for their antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii in Swiss mice by oral route. The antimalarial activity of these trioxanes showed a strong dependence on the side-chain length; shortening side-chain length lead to increase in activity. The antimalarial activity also showed even stronger dependence on the stereochemistry at C3 and C6 (C21 in Figure 5) of the trioxane moiety. Of the two diastereomers isolated of each of the trioxanes, more polar one was significantly more active than the less polar one. The more polar diastereomer of the trioxanes 26a, 26b, and 26d, were the most active compounds of the series. All these three trioxanes provided 100% protection at 24 mg/kg×4 days. In this model β-arteether provided 100% and 20% protection at 48 mg/kg×4 days and 24 mg/kg×4 days, respectively.

The control of malaria has been complicated with increasing resistance of malarial parasite against existing antimalarials. Herein, we report the synthesis of a new series of chloroquine-chalcone based hybrids (8–22) and their antimalarial efficacy against both chloroquine-susceptible (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (K1) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Most of the compounds showed enhanced antimalarial activity as compared to chloroquine in chloroquine-resistant (K1) strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Furthermore, to unfold the mechanism of action of these synthesized hybrid molecules, we carried out hemin dependent studies, in which three compounds were found to be active.

A series of novel keto-enamine chalcone-chloroquine based hybrids were synthesized following new methodology developed in our laboratory. The synthesized compounds were screened against chloroquine sensitive strain (3D7) of Plasmodium falciparum in an in vitro model. Some of the compounds were showing comparable antimalarial activity at par with chloroquine. Compounds with significant in vitro antimalarial activity were then evaluated for their in vivo efficacy in Swiss mice against Plasmodium yoelii (chloroquine resistant N-67 strain), wherein compounds 25 and 27 each showed an in vivo suppression of 99.9% parasitaemia on day 4. Biochemical studies reveal that inhibition of hemozoin formation is the primary mechanism of action of these analogues.

The present study describes the synthesis of a series of new 4-aminoquinoline-derived thiazolidines and evaluation of their antimalarial activity against a NF-54 strain of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and N-67 strain of Plasmodium yoelii in vivo. Among the series, two compounds, 2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid [2-(7-chloro-quinolin-4-ylamino)-ethyl]-amide hydrochloride (14) and 2-(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid [2-(7-chloro-quinolin-4-ylamino)-ethyl]-amide hydrochloride (22) exhibited significant suppression of parasitaemia in the in vivo assay. All the analogues were found to form strong complex with haematin and inhibited the β-haematin formation in vitro. These results suggest that these compounds act on heme polymerization target.

Artesunic acid 5, the hemisuccinate derivative of dihydroartemisinin 2, is the only clinically useful water-soluble derivative of artemisinin 1. However, being a lactol ester, it is rapidly hydrolyzed back to dihydroartemisinin in aqueous alkaline solution, a reaction that seriously limits its utility. A new series of potentially more stable linker-based hemisuccinate derivatives 12a-i and 14a-c have been prepared. The process involved acid-catalyzed reaction of dihydroartemisinin with various diols and polyethylene glycols to give hydroxy-functionalized ethers 7a-i and 10a-c and their further derivatization to hemisuccinate esters 12a-i and 14a-c. Both the hydroxy-functionalized ethers 7a-i and 10a-c and their hemisuccinate derivatives 12a-i and 14a-c have been assessed for antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in Swiss mice. Several of these hemisuccinate derivatives have shown very promising activity. Hemisuccinate derivatives 12f and 12i, the two most active compounds of the series, provided 100% protection to malaria-infected mice at 24 mg/kg × 4 days and therefore are twice as potent as artesunic acid, which provides a similar level of protection at 48 mg/kg × 4 days.

Analogues of a novel class of hybrid 4-anilinoquinoline triazines have been synthesized with the aim of identifying the compounds with improved antimalarial activity preserving the potency of parent drug chloroquine (CQ). All the synthesized molecules were evaluated in vitro for their antimalarial activity against chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 and chloroquine-resistant K1 strains of P. falciparum. Molecules were also screened for their cytotoxicity towards VERO cell line. Sixteen compounds (17, 19, 26, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 49, 50, and 52) exhibited excellent antimalarial activity with IC50 values ranging from 1.36–4.63 ng ml−1 and were also found to be nontoxic with good selectivity index. In silico activity prediction as well as enzyme inhibitory activity against P. falciparumtransketolase reveals that the molecules are also good inhibitors of the enzymeP. falciparumtransketolase. The compound 52 showed good in vivo activity by oral route and resulted in survival of 3 out of 5 mice till day 28.

In search of new 4-aminoquinolines which are not recognized by CQR mechanism, thiourea, thiazolidinedione and thioparabanic acid derivatives of 4-aminoquinoline were synthesized and screened for their antimalarial activities. Thiourea derivative 3 found to be the most active against CQ sensitive strain 3D7 of Plasmodium falciparum in an in vitro model with an IC50 of 6.07 ng/mL and also showed an in vivo suppression of 99.27% on day 4 against CQ resistant strain N-67 of Plasmodium yoelii.

The emergence and rapid spread of chloroquine resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum has dramatically reduced the chemotherapeutic options. Towards this goal, a series of new class of hybrid 4-aminoquinoline triazines were synthesized and screened against CQ sensitive strain 3D7 of P. falciparum in an in vitro model. Compounds 65 and 69 exhibited more than 99% suppression on day 4 and on day 6 post treatment, compound 69 showed impressive 99.11% suppression against CQ resistant strain N-67 of P. yoelii in an in vivo assay.

A new series of bis-1,2,4-trioxanes 12a-h, 13a-h, and 14a-h and tris-1,2,4-trioxanes 12i-14i were prepared and evaluated against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii in Swiss mice by oral route. Cyclopentane-based bis-trioxanes 12a, 12b, 12f-h and cyclohexane-based bis-trioxanes 13a, 13f, and 13g showed promising activity. All the tris-1,2,4-trioxanes were found to be inactive. Bis-trioxane 12a, the most active compound of the series, provided 100% and 80% protection to infected mice at 48 and 24 mg/kg x 4 days, respectively. Clinically useful drug beta-arteether provided 100% and 20% protection at similar doses.

A series of artemisinin derived esters 7a–j, incorporating pharmacologically privileged substructure, such as biphenyl, adamantane and fluorene, have been prepared and evaluated for antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis by oral route. Several of these compounds were found to be more active than the antimalarial drugs β-arteether 4 and artesunic acid 5. Ester 7i, the most active compound of the series, provided 100% and 80% protection to the infected mice at 24 mg/kg × 4 days and 12 mg/kg × 4 days, respectively. In this model β-arteether provided 100% and 20% protection at 48 mg/kg × 4 days and 24 mg/kg × 4 days, respectively.

A new series of benzene and isoquinoline sulfonamide derivatives were synthesized by nucleophilic displacement reaction on benzene and isoquinoline sulfonyl chlorides by substituted amines (primary and secondary). The title compounds were evaluated for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and showed MIC in the range of 2–50 μg/mL.

New 6-arylvinyl- and 6-adamantylvinyl-substituted 1,2,4-trioxanes (13a-g and 14a,b) have been prepared and evaluated for antimalarial activity against multidrug resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in mice by both oral and intramuscular routes. While all the 6-arylvinyl-substituted trioxanes, 13a-f, showed promising activity, none of the 6-adamantylvinyl-substituted trioxanes, 13g and 14a,b, exhibited significant activity. Trioxane, 13f, the most active compound of the series, provided 100% and 80% protection to malaria-infected mice at 48 mg/kg x 4 days and 24 mg/kg x 4 days, respectively, by oral route. In this model, beta-arteether (3) provided 100% protection at 48 mg/kg x 4 days and only 20% protection at 24 mg/kg x 4 days. Trioxane 13f also showed complete suppression of parasitaemia at 10 mg/kg x 4 days by oral route in rhesus monkeys infected with P. cynomolgi. None of these trioxanes, except 13f, showed significant activity by the intramuscular route.

A new series of ether derivatives of dihydroartemisinin have been prepared and evaluated for their antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in mice by oral route. These new derivatives 7-17 are highly lipophilic (log P in the range of 5.51 to 7.19) as compared with beta-arteether (log P 3.84), and several of them are two- to four-fold more active than beta-arteether. Among the ether derivatives, alpha-isomers are more active than the beta-isomers. The ether derivatives 12alpha and 14alpha, the most active compounds of the series, provided 100% protection to infected mice at 12 mg/kgx4 days. In this model beta-arteether provides 100% and 20% protection at 48 mg/kgx4 days and 24 mg/kgx4 days, respectively.

Using easily accessible keto-trioxanes 7a-g as the starting materials, a series of new variously functionalized 1,2,4-trioxanes 10-36 have been prepared and evaluated for antimalarial activity against multi-drug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in mice in the dose range of 24 mg/kg x 4 days to 96 mg/kg x 4 days by oral route. Trioxanes 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 have shown promising antimalarial activity. Trioxanes 14 and 18, the two most active compounds of the series, provide 100% and 60% protection at 48 mg/kg x 4 days and 24 mg/kg x 4 days, respectively. In this model beta-arteether provides 100% and 20% protection at 48 mg/kg x 4 days and 24 mg/kg x 4 days, respectively.

A small library of 20 trisubstituted pyrimidines were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antimalarial and antitubercular activities. Out of the total screened compounds, 16 compounds have shown in vitro antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum in the range of 0.25–2 μg/mL and 8 compounds have shown antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H 37 Ra, at a concentration of 12.5 μg/mL.

Trioxanes 8a-b, easily accessible in two steps from allylic alcohol 6a-b, on reductive amination with 4-aminoquinolines 4a-c furnish a new series of trioxaquines 9a-b, 10a-b, 11a-b in 32-77% yields. Dicitrate salts of these trioxaquines have been evaluated for antimalarial activity against multidrug resistant Plasmodium yoelii in mice model.

The medicinal plants can be used for therapeutic purposes or a precursor for the synthesis of useful drugs because of the presence of active chemical compounds. Thus the aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidants and radical scavenging potential of high value endemic medicinal plants namely, Angelica glauca Edgew. and Aralia cachemirica Decne. collected from Kanawar Wild life Sanctuary. The study revealed that both the plant extracts have high antioxidant activities with excellent content of polyphenols and flavonoids. The total phenolic contents (TPC) in the root extracts of Angelica glauca and Aralia cachemirica were 486±1.29 GAE μg/10 mL and 276.42±6.35 GAE μg/10 ml. Similarly, the total flavonoid contents (TFC) was 351.45±0.16 QE mg/10 ml and 932.70±6.99 QE mg/10 ml, respectively in the root extracts of A. glauca and A. cachemirica. The root extracts of both the species possesses very good significant reducing power and free radical scavenging ability which might be useful for preventing the progress of various oxidative stress related diseases.

A series of substituted 1,2,4-trioxanes were synthesized and evaluated for their antimalarial potential, in silico ADME properties and cytotoxicity on neuronal cell lines. Among the 15 synthesized substituted 1,2,4-trioxanes, two compounds (compound 15, IC50 = 25.71 nM; compound 21, IC50 = 19.6 nM) exhibited promising in vitro antimalarial potential comparable to those of the existing drugs chloroquine and artemisinin. Both of these compounds were found to be nontoxic up to 20 µM concentration in neuronal PC-12 cells. Compound 21 may serve as an optimized lead compound because of its less in vitro toxicity and lower probability to cross the blood brain barrier.

In this investigation, we describe a new approach to chiral synthesis of chloroquine and its analogues. All tested compounds displayed potent activity against chloroquine sensitive as well as chloroquine resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and Plasmodium yoelii in vivo. Compounds S-13 b, S-13c, S-13 d and S-13 i displayed excellent in vitro antimalarial activity with an IC50 value of 56.82, 60.41, 21.82 and 7.94 nM, respectively, in the case of resistant strain. Furthermore, compounds S-13a, S-13c and S-13 d showed in vivo suppression of 100% parasitaemia on day 4 in the mouse model against Plasmodium yoelii when administered orally. These results underscore the application of synthetic methodology and need for further lead optimization.

Emergence and spread of multidrug resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum has severely limited the antimalarial chemotherapeutic options. In order to overcome the obstacle, a set of new side-chain modified 4-aminoquinolines were synthesized and screened against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (K1) strains of P. falciparum. The key feature of the designed molecules is the use of methylpiperazine linked α, β(3)- and γ-amino acids to generate novel side chain modified 4-aminoquinoline analogues. Among the evaluated compounds, 20c and 30 were found more potent than CQ against K1 and displayed a four-fold and a three-fold higher activity respectively, with a good selectivity index (SI=5846 and 11,350). All synthesized compounds had resistance index between 1.06 and >14.13 as against 47.2 for chloroquine. Biophysical studies suggested that this series of compounds act on heme polymerization target.

Novel leads are urgently required for designing antimalarials due to the reduced efficacy of presently available drugs. The malaria parasite has a unique reaction of heme polymerization, which has attracted much attention in the recent past as a target for the design of antimalarial drugs. The process is hampered by non-availability of a proper assay method. Currently available methods are cumbersome and require advanced instrumentation or radioactive substrates. Here, we are describing an assay for hemozoin formation that is simple and reproducible. This assay has routinely been used by us for the identification of potential compounds with antimalarial activity.

In vitro ADME characterization of the lead compound 1 identified for visceral leishmaniasis was undertaken and further structural analogs were synthesized for antileishmanial screening. Compound 1 was highly permeable in intestinal PAMPA model (31 × 10(-6)cm/s) and was moderately bound to mouse and human plasma proteins (% bound 85-95%), its blood to plasma concentration ratio was less than 1, but the compound was unstable in blood. Compound 1 was found to have no CYP450 liability with CYP2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4. It showed inhibition with CYP1A2 with an IC50 value of 0.50 μM. Analogs of 1 were synthesized and subsequently characterized for in vitro activity against the intracellular form of Leishmania donovani. Resulting quinolines were found to have similar efficacy as 1 against the parasite. Compounds 8b and 8f were found to be the most active with IC50 values of 0.84 μM and 0.17 μM, respectively compared to 0.22 μM for compound 1. Of all the analogs tested, 8d was stable in hamster, mouse and human liver microsomes but lost the efficacy with an IC50 of 6.42 μM. Based on the in vitro efficacy and DMPK profile, compounds 8b and 8f seem the best candidates to be screened in further assays.

A series of 2,4,6-trisubstituted-1,3,5-triazines ( 2a – s ) were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antimalarial activity against P. falciparum . Out of the 19 compounds synthesized eight compounds showed MIC in the range of 1–2 μg/mL. These compounds are in vitro several times more active than cycloguanil.

Using easily accessible 3-aryl-2-cyclohexenols, a photooxygenation route for the preparation of bicyclic 1,2,4-trioxanes is reported. Several of these trioxanes have shown significant antimalarial activity against multidrug resistant Plasmodium yoelii in mice by the oral route.

An analogous library of 2-substituted quinoline compounds was synthesized with the aim to identify a potential drug candidate to treat visceral leishmaniasis. These molecules were tested for their in vitro and in vivo biological activity against Leishmania donovani. Metabolic stability of these compounds was also improved through the introduction of halogen substituents. Compound (26g), found to be the most active; exhibited an IC50 value of 0.2 μM and >180 fold selectivity. The hydrochloride salt of (26g) showed 84.26 ± 4.44 percent inhibition at 50 mg/kg × 5 days (twice daily, oral route) dose in L. donovani/hamster model. The efficacy was well correlated with the PK data observed which indicating that the compound is well distributed.

A series of novel tetrazole derivatives of 4-aminoquinoline were synthesized and screened for their antimalarial activities against both chloroquine-senstive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (K1) strains of Plasmodium falciparum as well as for cytotoxicity against VERO cell lines. Most of the synthesized compounds exhibited potent antimalarial activity as compared to chloroquine against K1-strain. Compounds with significant in vitro antimalarial activity were then evaluated for their in vivo efficacy in Swiss mice against Plasmodium yoelii following both intraperitoneal (ip) and oral administration, wherein compounds 20 and 23 each showed in vivo suppression of 99.99% parasitaemia on day 4.

Synthesis of novel 4-aminoquinoline-rhodanine hybrid using inexpensive starting materials via easy to operate methodology, and their biological activity is reported. All the compounds were screened for their in vitro antimalarial activity against chloroquine-resistant (K1) and chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) strains of Plasmodium falciparum, and their cytotoxicity toward VERO cell line. Compounds 9, 19, 21 and 23 exhibited excellent antimalarial activity with IC50 value ranging from 13.2 to 45.5 nM against chloroquine-resistant (K1) strain. Biochemical studies revealed that inhibition of hemozoin formation is the primary mechanism of action of these analogs for their antimalarial activity. Additionally, some derivatives (14, 18 and 26) of this series also exhibited the antimycobacterial activity against H37Rv strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with MIC value of 6.25 μM.

A new series of quinoline analogs have been synthesized and found active against P. falciparum in vitro and P. yoelli in vivo. Compounds 8, 10 and 11 exhibited superior in vitro activity compared to chloroquine. Selected compounds 8, 10 and 11 exhibited significant suppression of parasitaemia in vivo assay. These analogs form a complex with hematin and inhibit the β-hematin formation, suggesting that this class of compounds act on a heme polymerization target. Further this study confirms that quinoline ring nitrogen is essential for both transportation of the molecule across the membrane as well as for tight binding to hematin.

Novel 3,3-spiroanellated 5-aryl, 6-arylvinyl-substituted 1,2,4-trioxanes 19–34 have been synthesized and appraised for their antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in Swiss mice by oral route at doses ranging from 96 mg/kg × 4 days to 24 mg/kg × 4 days. The most active compound of the series (compound 25) provided 100% protection at 24 mg/kg × 4 days, and other 1,2,4-trioxanes 22, 26, 27, and 30 also showed promising activity. In this model, β-arteether provided 100 and 20% protection at 48 mg/kg × 4 days and 24 mg/kg × 4 days, respectively, by oral route. Compound 25 displayed a similar in vitro pharmacokinetic profile to that of reference drug β-arteether. The activity results demonstrated the importance of an aryl moiety at the C-5 position on the 1,2,4-trioxane pharmacophore.

Keto-trioxanes 7a-d, easily accessible in two steps from allylic alcohols 5a-d, underwent reductive amination with substituted anilines to furnish amino-functionalized trioxanes 8a-i, 9a-i, 10a-i, and 11a-i. All these new trioxanes were assessed for their oral antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in Swiss mice. 2-Naphthalene-based trioxanes 9c and 9i, the most active compounds of the series, provided 100% protection to the malaria-infected mice at 24 mg/kg × 4 days, while the related trioxane 9b and phenanthrene-based trioxane 11e provided a similar level of protection at 48 mg/kg × 4 days. All other trioxanes, except 10c, 10d, and 10g, provided 100% protection at 96 mg/kg × 4 days. In this model, β-arteether provided 100% protection at 48 mg/kg × 4 days and 20% protection at 24 mg/kg × 4 days.

A new series of 4-aminoquinoline derivatives have been synthesized and found to be active against both susceptible and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Compound 1-[3-(7-chloro-quinolin-4-ylamino)-propyl]-3-cyclopropyl-thiourea (7) exhibited superior in vitro activity against resistant strains of P. falciparum as compared to chloroquine (CQ). All the compounds showed resistance factor between 0.59 and 4.31 as against 5.05 for CQ. Spectroscopic studies suggested that this class of compounds act on heme polymerization target.

A new series of 6-(4′-aryloxy-phenyl)vinyl-1,2,4-trioxanes 10a–d, 11a–d, and 12a–d have been synthesized and evaluated for their antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii in Swiss mice by oral route. Trioxanes 10b and 10c, the two most active compounds of the series, provided 100% protection to the infected mice at 48 mg/kg × 4 days. Clinically useful drug β-arteether provided 100% and 20% protection at 48 mg/kg × 4 days and 24 mg/kg × 4 days, respectively, in this model.

A series of novel chalcones bearing acridine moiety attached to the amino group in their ring A have been synthesized through noncatalyzed nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction between various 3'-aminochalcone or 4'-aminochalcones and 9-chloroacridine. The synthesized chalcone derivatives have been characterized and screened for in vitro antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum NF-54. All the chalcones showed complete inhibition at concentration of 10 microg/mL and above while three compounds showed significant inhibition at concentration of 2 microg/mL. The three most active chalcone derivatives were screened for in vivo activity as well, but no significant inhibition in parasitaemia was observed when given intraperitoneally to Plasmodium yoelii infected mice model.

Synthesis of new 6-ureido-4-anilinoquinazolines have been accomplished and their in vitro antimalarial activity against chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum have been examined. Out of 64 compounds evaluated, the IC(50) of 16 compounds which have displayed MIC of 0.25 microg/mL were also recorded. One of the compounds (24 g) had IC(50) value of 2.27 ng/mL which was equipotent to the standard drug chloroquine used in the bioassay. The in vivo evaluation of a few compounds among the series led to discovery of one analog (30 g) displaying 40% curative activity (28 days) against mdr P. yoeillinigeriensis at an oral dose of 100 mg/kg x 4 days.