Synthesis and Anti-influenza Activities of Novel Baicalein Analogs

A series of novel flavones derivatives were synthesized based on modification of the active ingredients of a traditional Chinese medicine Scutellaria baicalensis GEORGI and screened for anti-influenza activity. The synthetic baicalein (flavone) analogs, especially with the B-rings substituted with bromine atoms, were much more potent than oseltamivir or ribavirin against H1N1 Tamiflu-resistant (H1N1 TR) virus and usually with more favorable selectivity. The most promising were 5b, 5c, 6b and 6c, all displaying an 50% effective concentration (EC50) at around 4.0-4.5 mu m, and a selective index (SI=50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50)/EC50)>70. For seasonal H3N2-infected influenza virus, both 5a and 5b with SI >17.3 indicated superior to ribavirin. The fiavonoids having both not-naturally-occurring bromo-substituted B-rings and appropriate hydroxyls positioning on the A-rings might be critical in determining the activity and selectivity against H1N1-Tamiflu-resistant infected influenza viruses.