Molecular docking studies and synthesis of novel bisbenzimidazole derivatives as inhibitors of α-glucosidase

Abstract

A series of bisbenzimidazole derivatives starting from o-phenylenediamine and 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine were prepared with oxalic acid. Most of the reactions were conducted using both the microwave and conventional methods to compare yields and reaction times. The operational simplicity, environmental friendly conditions and high yield in a significantly short reaction time were the major benefits. All substances' inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase were evaluated. The results may suggest a significant role for the nature of bisbenzimidazole compounds in their inhibitory action against α-glucosidase. They showed different range of α-glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC₅₀ value ranging between 0.44±0.04 and 6.69±0.01μM when compared to the standard acarbose (IC₅₀, 13.34±1.26μM). This has described a new class of α-glucosidase inhibitors. Molecular docking studies were done for all compounds to identify important binding modes responsible for inhibition activity of α-glucosidase.