Design, synthesis, in silico studies, and antidiabetic activity of several sulfanilamide incorporated 2,3-disubstituted thiazolidin-4-ones

A panel of 2,3-disubstituted thiazolidin-4-ones 4a-n was synthesised from Schiff bases 3a-n derived from sulfanilamide, by reaction with thioglycolic acid. The compounds were characterised by means of IR, NMR, and Mass spectral data. Compounds 4a-n were screened for DPPH scavenging assay and compounds 4e, 4h, 4i, and 4n exhibited moderate activity. Compounds 4e, 4h, and 4i were tested at 200 mg/kg and 4e at 50 mg/kg b.w. orally for antidiabetic activity in fructose induced diabetic rats. They exhibited significant antidiabetic activity compared to the control group. Pioglitazone was used as a standard drug. The tested compounds exhibited better and ignificant serum cholesterol lowering activity when compared with the control and standard groups. They also reduced the triglyceride level after the 21st day; however, it was insignificant when compared to the control group. Compound 4n displayed the highest binding energy when docked with PPAR-γ followed by compounds 4e, 4h, and 4i when compared to pioglitazone. The physicochemical, drug likeness and ADME properties of the title compounds were found to be satisfactory.