Synthesis of Curcumin Analogues As Novel Anti Malarial Agents: Monocyclic Analogues of Curcumin

A series of dibenzylidencyclohexanone were synthesized by clasein-schmidt condensation reaction and twelve of them were evaluated in vitro for blood stage antiplasmodial properties in Plasmodium falciparum culture using SYBR- green-I ?uorescence assay. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were ascertained on the basis of their analytical and spectral profiles. The compound (2E,6E)-2,6-bis(3-nitrobenylidene) cyclohexanones (11) was found to be most active with IC50 of 66 ?g/ml against chloroquine sensitive (3d7)strain. Our results revealed that some of these exhibited promising antiplasmodial activities which can be further explored as potential leads for the development of cheaper, safe, effective and potent drugs against chloroquine-resistant malarial parasites.