Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activities of 4 H -chromene and chromeno[2,3- b ]pyridine derivatives

Several derivatives of 4 H -chromene and chromeno[2,3- b ]pyridine were efficiently prepared under microwave irradiation in a one-pot reaction, and their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. Six synthetic products ( 1b , 1c , 1h , 2d , 2j , and 2l ) exhibited more powerfully inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced nitric oxide (NO) than quercetin and exhibited comparable cell viability in both human and porcine chondrocytes. In particular, 2d at dosages of 10 and 20 mg/kg had a very potent anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the formation of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and prostaglandin E 2 . The results herein suggest that these compounds may have potential as structural templates in the design and development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.