Recent Trends in the Synthesis and Bioactivity of Coumarin, Coumarin-Chalcone, and Coumarin-Triazole Molecular Hybrids

Molecular hybridization represents a new approach in drug discovery in which specific chromophores are strategically combined to create novel drugs with enhanced therapeutic effects. This innovative strategy leverages the strengths of individual chromophores to address complex biological challenges, synergize beneficial properties, optimize pharmacokinetics, and overcome limitations associated with single-agent therapies. Coumarins are documented to possess several bioactivities and have therefore been targeted for combination with other active moieties to create molecular hybrids. This review summarizes recent (2013-2023) trends in the synthesis of coumarins, as well as coumarin-chalcone and coumarin-triazole molecular hybrids. To cover the wide aspects of this area, we have included differently substituted coumarins, chalcones, 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-triazoles in this review and considered the point of fusion/attachment with coumarin to show the diversity of these hybrids. The reported syntheses mainly relied on well-established chemistry without the need for strict reaction conditions and usually produced high yields. Additionally, we discussed the bioactivities of the reported compounds, including antioxidative, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-cholinesterase activities and commented on their IC50 where possible. Promising bioactivity results have been obtained so far. It is noted that mechanistic studies are infrequently found in the published work, which was also mentioned in this review to give the reader a better understanding. This review aims to provide valuable information to enable further developments in this field.

Preparation of azachalcone derivatives vial-proline/ Et3N-catalyzed aldol condensation and study of their antioxidant potential

Chalcones, with two connected aromatic rings through an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl skeleton, display diverse biological roles like antimalarial, antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. This research focuses on crafting azachalcone derivatives from 2-acetylpyridine and aromatic aldehydes using l-proline/Et3N as a catalyst. Refinements encompass catalyst dosage, solvents, temperature, and post-reaction treatments. The optimized approach employs l-proline (0.15 equiv.)/ Et3N (0.30 equiv.) at room temperature in methanol. Derivatives are successfully synthesized in moderate to favorable yields, akin to sodium hydroxide as the benchmark catalyst. Notably, antioxidant assessment via the DPPH method spotlights compound 2b and 2d (100 ppm concentration), showcasing significant antioxidant potency with inhibition percentages of 92.22 % and 74.41 %, respectively.•l-proline/ Et3N is successful to use in aldol condensation reaction.•Azachalcones based 2-acetylpyridine were successfully synthesized using the catalyst.•Azachalcones showed antioxidant activity against DPPH radical.

A convenient method for the construction of triazole-bonded chalcone derivatives from acetophenone: Synthesis and free radical scavenging investigation

The substituted 1,2,3-triazole core is prevalent in numerous commercially available drugs utilized for a wide range of clinical applications. Simultaneously, chalcone represents a privileged framework discovered in natural products exhibiting intriguing bioactivities. In this study, we synthesized triazole-bonded chalcone compounds (4ax-4by), starting from a simple aromatic ketone, acetophenone, which underwent aldol condensation to give hydroxychalcone intermediate. In the second step, the hydroxyl group of chalcone compound was adducted with propargyl moiety through propargylation reaction. Then, the propargylated products underwent smooth copper-mediated azide-alkyne cyclization to give the triazole-bonded chalcones as the final products. They were characterized by IR, NMR and HRMS, and evaluated their radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Among the tested products, compound 4by was denoted as the most potent derivative which can inhibit DPPH radical in 91.62 ± 0.10% at 500 ppm.•Acetophenone as a simple ketone was modified to triazole-bonded chalcones.•Modification was performed through three steps reaction.•Final products exhibited free radical scavenging activity.

Synthesis, α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity and Molecular Docking Study of Chalcone Derivatives Bearing a 1H-1,2,3-Triazole Unit

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic condition that is a major health concern around the world. The current study investigates the synthesis of a series of chalcone and 1H-1,2,3-triazole hybrid compounds and their in vitro inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase. The antidiabetic analysis revealed that compounds 4a and 4b are highly active agents with IC₅₀ of 3.90 and 4.77 µM, respectively. These results are close to quercetin (IC₅₀ = 4.24 µM) as the reference standard. Molecular docking study strongly supports the active interaction of the 4a and 4b to the enzyme through cation-π interaction and hydrogen bonding between the ligands and the active site of Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-glucosidase enzyme. This study broadened the potential of designing chalcone-triazole hybrid compounds as antidiabetic drug candidates in the pharmaceutical sector.

Halal as a Distinct Competitive Edge for Islamic Higher Education in the Millennial Generation

Increasing demand for halal products worldwide is one of the most prominent indicators of rising awareness of the Islamic halal concept. Thanks to increasing awareness of the benefits of halal, the concept has become a global trend in the Millennium era. Muslims are required to master the foundations of the concept of halal from the al-Qur’an and hadith, as well as its implementation in Maqasid Shariah and sciences. Mastery of halal concepts by the millennial generation can improve the competitiveness of the nation. Therefore, Islamic higher education can be seen as a significant platform for increasing halal knowledge and awareness in the millennium generation. Halal trends knowledge can provide a competitive edge in preparing the millennial generation for the increasing demands of the halal market. Purpose - This study aims to determine the implementation of halal as a distinct competitive advantage in Islamic higher education in preparing the millennial generation at The State Islamic Institute of Surakarta, Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach - The research used quantitative and qualitative methods (mixed method). Quantitative data was collected by giving out questionnaires to final semester students. Qualitative data was obtained from interviews with campus program planners. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics before being interpreted. Findings - The results showed that 72.9% of students had studied the halal concept, 83.3% of students were able to identify halal products from  MUI labels, and 45.8% understood  the concepts of the Maqasid Shariah. Institutional development in halal understanding and awareness is ongoing through establishment of the halal study center and halal research center in collaboration with various parties.