Facile synthesis of chrysin-derivatives with promising activities as aromatase inhibitors

Nat Prod Commun. 2011 Jan;6(1):31-4.

Abstract

Flavones such as chrysin show structural similarities to androgens, the substrates of human aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens. Aromatase is a key target in the treatment of hormone-dependent tumors, including breast cancer. Flavone-based aromatase inhibitors are of growing interest, and chrysin in particular provides a (natural) lead structure. This paper reports multicomponent synthesis as a means for facile modification of the chrysin core structure in order to add functional elements. A Mannich-type reaction was used to synthesize a range of mono- and disubstituted chrysin derivatives, some of which are more effective aromatase inhibitors than the benchmark compound, aminoglutethimide. Similarly, the reaction of chrysin with various isonitriles and acetylene dicarboxylates results in a new class of flavone derivatives, tricyclic pyrano-flavones which also inhibit human aromatase. Multicomponent reactions involving flavones therefore enable the synthesis of a variety of derivatives, some of which may be useful as anticancer agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aromatase Inhibitors / chemical synthesis*
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Flavonoids / chemical synthesis*
  • Flavonoids / chemistry
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Solubility

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Flavonoids
  • chrysin