Synthesis and inhibitory activity against COX-2 catalyzed prostaglandin production of chrysin derivatives

A series of chrysin derivatives were prepared and evaluated for their inhibitory activities of cyclooxygenase-2 catalyzed prostaglandin production. Chrysin derivatives were prepared from 2-hydroxyacetophenone, 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone and 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone in 2 to 4 steps, respectively. Methxoylated chrysin derivatives were converted to the corresponding hydroxylated chrysin derivatives by the reaction with BBr3 in good yields. The inhibitory activity of the chrysin derivatives against prostaglandin production from lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 cells was measured. We found that chrysin derivatives with 3′,4′-dichloro substituents (5e, 6e and 7e) exhibited good inhibitory activity of prostaglandin production.