Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Abstract

Benzofuran derivatives possess a wide range of biological activities, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. The purpose of this study was to synthesise benzofuran derivatives and to investigate their pharmacological potential. A multistep synthesis was used to synthesize ethyl and free acid derivatives of 2-(benzofuran-2-carboxamido) acetic acid from coumarin. The compounds were identified by melting point analysis, thin-layer chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Antimicrobial activity against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi was screened using cup-plate and tube dilution techniques. Anti-inflammatory activity was screened in a carrageenan-induced paw oedema rat model. Six benzofuran amide derivatives (6a–6f) were prepared in 60–80% yield. Compounds 6a, 6b, and 6f had strong broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with MICs as low as 6.25 µg/ml. Compound 6b showed the greatest inhibition of paw oedema (71.10% at 2 h), followed by 6a (61.55%), which was statistically significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The zone of inhibition was validated using MIC data, indicating antimicrobial efficacy. This study presents a new and effective synthetic pathway for benzofuran-derived amide derivatives and identifies compound 6b as an effective dual-action lead with high antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.

Keywords: Benzofuran, Derivatives, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory