Synthesis and SAR of novel GPR39 agonists and positive allosteric modulators.

We report a significant decrease in transcription of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR39 in striatal neurons of Parkinson's disease patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting that a positive modulator of GPR39 may beneficially impact neuroprotection. To test this notion, we developed various structurally diverse tool molecules. While we elaborated on previously reported starting points, we also performed an in silico screen which led to completely novel pharmacophores.

Polar biophenolics in sweet potato greens extract synergize to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation and in vivo tumor growth.

Polyphenolic phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables indisputably confer anticancer benefits upon regular consumption. Recently, we demonstrated the growth-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing properties of polyphenol-rich sweet potato greens extract (SPGE) in cell culture and in vivo prostate cancer xenograft models. However, the bioactive constituents remain elusive.

Piper betel leaf extract: anticancer benefits and bio-guided fractionation to identify active principles for prostate cancer management.

Plant extracts, a concoction of bioactive non-nutrient phytochemicals, have long served as the most significant source of new leads for anticancer drug development. Explored for their unique medicinal properties, the leaves of Piper betel, an evergreen perennial vine, are a reservoir of phenolics with antimutagenic, antitumor and antioxidant activities. Here, we show that oral feeding of betel leaf extract (BLE) significantly inhibited the growth of human prostate xenografts implanted in nude mice compared with vehicle-fed controls.

Synthesis and evaluation of some novel dibenzo[b,d]furan carboxylic acids as potential anti-diabetic agents.

A series of novel dibenzo[b,d]furan mono-carboxylic acid derivatives were synthesized, characterized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in vitro in order to use them as potential anti-diabetic agents. Structure-activity relationship study led to the identification of potent compound 5 E which inhibited PTP1B with IC(50) value of 82+/-0.43 nM.

Synthesis and evaluation of some novel isochroman carboxylic acid derivatives as potential anti-diabetic agents.

A series of novel isochroman mono-carboxylic acid derivatives were synthesized, characterized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in vitro in order to use them as potential anti-diabetic agents. Analysis of structure-activity relationships led to the identification of potent compound 4n which inhibited PTP1B with IC(50) value of 51.63+/-0.