DNA cleavage, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory anthelmintic activities, and spectroscopic studies of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes of biologically potential coumarin Schiff bases

A series of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes, [ML center dot 2H(2)O] of Schiff bases derived from 4, 4-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (dapsone) and 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin/5-formyl-6-hydroxycoumarin have been synthesized. From analytical, spectral (IR, NMR, UV-Vis, ESR and FAB mass), and magnetic studies it has been concluded that the metal complexes possess octahedral geometry and are non-electrolytes. The redox behavior of the metal complexes is investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The Schiff bases and their metal complexes have been screened for antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus proteus) and antifungal activities (Fusarium, Candida, Rhizopus, Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus niger) by the minimum inhibitory concentration method. The anthelmintic activity of the ligands and their metal complexes against earthworms was investigated. The DNA cleavage study was done by agarose gel electrophoresis. Anti-inflammatory activity studies showed the test compounds are comparable to the standard drug diclofenac sodium.