| Abstract |
The neuroprotective role of natural polyphenols is well established but phenolics poor water solubility affects their bioavailability and bioactivity. Aiming to overcome this issue, we were encouraged to investigate the 2-deoxyglycosylation of natural or nature inspired neuroprotective molecules, using glycals as easily accessed glycosyl donors. This robust methodology allowed the generation of a set of new resveratrol and caffeic acid ester glycosides, envisioning more effective and bioavailable compounds. Resveratrol 2-deoxyglycosides were more effective at protecting the neuronal cells from peroxide-induced cytotoxicity than resveratrol itself, while the caffeic acid ester glycoside also showed extraordinary neuroprotection activity. Coefficient partition measurements demonstrated the moderate lipophilicity of resveratrol glycosides, which Log D values are typical of a central nervous system (CNS) drug and ideal for blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Passive permeation assessed by the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) revealed that 2,6-dideoxy-L-arabino-hexopyranosides were more effective than 2-deoxy-D-arabino-hexopyranosides. The lack of toxicity of the neuroprotective glycosides and their promising physicochemical properties revealed the usefulness of sugar coupling towards the modulation of natural product properties and bioactivity. |
