Synthesis of (2-amino)ethyl derivatives of quercetin 3-O-methyl ether and their antioxidant and neuroprotective effects

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in several diseases, particularly in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Quercetin 3-O-methyl ether has been reported to show potent antioxidant and neuroprotective activity against neuronal damage induced by reactive oxygen species. Several aminoethyl-substituted derivatives of quercetin 3-O-methyl ether have been synthesized to increase water solubility while retaining antioxidant and neuroprotective activity. Among such derivatives, compound 3a shows potent and well-balanced antioxidant activity in three types of cell-free assay systems and has in vivo neuroprotective effects on transient focal ischemic injury induced by the occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in rats.