Development of a Chalcone-Based Therapeutic Candidate for Neuropathic Pain: Synthesis and Screening in AITC-Induced Paw Flinching Model
Main Article Content
Abstract
A neotric chalcone derivative, (E)-3-(4-(dimethylamino) phenyl)-1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one (4), synthesized and evaluated for its potential to alleviate neuropathic pain. The synthesis was achieved through a grinding method involving the condensation of 2,4-dimethyl acetophenone and 4-dimethylamino benzaldehyde in the presence of 10% sodium hydroxide. The compound was characterized using spectroscopic techniques, and its structure was confirmed as an E isomer. The biological activity of the compound was tested using an allyl isothiocyanate (AITC)-induced paw flinching model in rodents (rats), that exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in pain-related behavior. The chalcone with dose 100 mg/kg, test compound 4 reduced the number of flinches to 20, outperforming curcumin at the same dose but demonstrating less efficacy than the standard TRPA1 antagonist, HC-030031. These findings suggest that the synthesized chalcone has potential as a therapeutic candidate for neuropathic pain, though further structural optimization is needed to enhance its activity.