Synthesis and biological evaluation of polyhydroxycurcuminoids

A series of curcurnin analogs (1-3, 5a-5t) was synthesized through the condensation of appropriately protected hydroxy-benzaldehydes with acetylacetone, followed by deprotection. The antioxidant activity of these analogs was determined by superoxide free radical nitroblue tetrazolium and DPPH free radical scavenging methods and the polyhydroxycurcuminoids (5l-5s) displayed excellent antioxidant activity. These analogs showed cytotoxicity to lymphocytes and promising tumor-reducing activity on Dalton's lymphoma ascites tumor cells. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.