Density functional theory, molecular docking andin vivomuscle relaxant, sedative, and analgesic studies of indanone derivatives isolated fromHeterophragma adenophyllum

Heterophragma adenophyllum(HA) is an important medicinal plant which is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of muscular tension and pain. Herein, we report the isolation of methyl,1,2-dihydroxy-2-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-1-carboxylate (1), from the roots ofH. adenophyllum.The isolated compound1was evaluated forin vivomuscle relaxant, sedative, and analgesic potential in Swiss albino mice. Results revealed that the isolated compound1exhibited a dose- and time-dependent muscle coordination (51%) and a significant (p < 01) sedative effect. It also showed a considerable (p < 0.5) analgesia after 30 min of post treatment and was maintained for up-to 120 min of experimental duration. In acute toxicity studies, no mortality was observed which indicates a preliminary safety of compound1. Furthermore, the experimental results were compared with the theoretical studies by using density functional theory (DFT). The stability of the compound as well as the flow of electrons was determined by the calculated Frontier orbital analysis. The calculated stretching frequencies,H-1-NMR/C-13-NMR chemical shift values and UV-visible spectra were found to be in agreement with experimental values. The results obtained from molecular docking studies were used to explore the mechanism of analgesic and muscle relaxant activity. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

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The article reports the isolation of a compound from the roots of H. adenophyllum and its effects on muscle relaxation, sedation, and analgesia in Swiss albino mice. The compound showed significant sedative and analgesic effects with a high level of safety in acute toxicity studies.