Synthesis and in vitro antiprotozoal evaluation of novel metronidazole-Schiff base hybrids

Herein we report the synthesis of 21 novel small molecules inspired by metronidazole and Schiff base compounds. The compounds were evaluated against Trichomonas vaginalis and cross-screened against other pathogenic protozoans of clinical relevance. Most of these compounds were potent against T. vaginalis, exhibiting IC50 values < 5 mu M. Compound 20, the most active compound against T. vaginalis, exhibited an IC50 value of 3.4 mu M. A few compounds also exhibited activity against Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosomal brucei brucei, with compound 6 exhibiting an IC50 value of 0.7 mu M against P. falciparum and compound 22 exhibiting an IC50 value of 1.4 mu M against T.b. brucei. Compound 22 is a broad-spectrum antiprotozoal agent, showing activities against all three pathogenic protozoans under investigation.

Automated summary

In this study, 21 novel small molecules inspired by metronidazole and Schiff base compounds were synthesized. These compounds showed potent inhibitory activity against Trichomonas vaginalis, as well as activity against Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosomal brucei brucei. Compound 22 was a broad-spectrum antiprotozoal agent, exhibiting activity against all three pathogenic protozoans under investigation.