Synthesis and biological activity of some new flavonyl-2,4-thiazolidinediones

A new series of flavonyl-2,4-thiazolidinediones (Va-c, VIa-c) was prepared by Knoevenagel reaction. The synthesized compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit rat kidney aldose reductase (AR) and for their insulinotropic activities in INS-1 cells. Compound Vb was able to increase insulin release in the presence of 5.6 mmol/l glucose. Compounds VIa-c displayed moderate to high AR inhibitory activity levels. Particularly, compound VIa showed the highest AR inhibitory activity (86.57%). (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.