ABSTRACT
It has been widely reported that the crude oil of Nigella sativa L., Ranunculaceae, seeds and its major chemical component thymoquinone present anticonvulsant activity. These facts led us to verify the pharmacological potential of five structurally related para-benzoquinones on the pentylenotetrazol-induced seizures model, and establish the structural characteristics that influence the anticonvulsant activity of thymoquinone. The unsubstituted para-benzoquinone was the compound that exhibited the highest potency, while 2-methyl-p-benzoquinone was inactive. It was found that the presence of alkyl groups attached to the ring influence the pharmacological activity of the para-benzoquinones. In addition, the number, position, and size of these groups change the anticonvulsant potency of the compounds.
ABSTRACT
Plant products may be alternative sources of mosquito larval control agents, since they constitute a rich source of bioactive compounds that are biodegradable into nontoxic products. It has been reported that quinones and derivatives present toxic activity against mosquito larvae Aedes aegypti. Therefore, these facts led us to investigate the larvicidal potential of six structurally related para-benzoquinones against A. aegypti L. (Culicidae) larvae, the vector of dengue fever. All the para-benzoquinones were found to have larvicidal effect. The unsubstituted para-benzoquinone was the compound that exhibited the lowest potency, while 2-isopropyl-para-benzoquinone was the most bioactive. In general, the presence of alkyl groups results in more potent compounds. In addition, the number, position, and size of these groups modulate the potency of the compounds. The experimental results showed that by appropriate structural modification of para-benzoquinones, it may be possible to develop novel insecticidal compounds with potential use to control A. aegypti population.
