Design and evaluation of 2-(4-((2-(2-((2,6-dichloro-3-methylphenyl)amino)benzoyl)hydrazineylidene)methyl)phenoxy)acetic acid as a dual anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic agent.

Aims: This study aimed to design, synthesize, and evaluate a novel meclofenamic acid derivative (7) for its potential as a dual-target therapeutic agent with anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.

Materials & methods: Compound 7 was synthesized and subjected to in vitro, in vivo, and in silico evaluations. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using acute and chronic models, including IL-6 and NF-κB quantification and histopathology. Antidiabetic potential was evaluated through α-glucosidase inhibition, glucose tolerance, and alloxan-induced diabetic models. Antioxidant activity was tested against ascorbic acid, while cytotoxicity was assessed on MCF-7, T24, and A-549 cell lines. Molecular docking, ADME profiling, and pathway analyses were performed to predict drug-likeness and target interactions.

Results: Compound 7 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.07 µM), reducing IL-6 and NF-κB by 62.99% and 59.13%, respectively. It demonstrated strong α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 12.78 µM) and improved insulin regulation. Antioxidant activity was comparable to ascorbic acid. Cytotoxicity studies revealed moderate anticancer activity with synergistic enhancement when combined with cisplatin.

Conclusions: Computational and experimental findings suggest that compound 7 exhibits favorable drug-like properties and holds promise as a multi-target therapeutic candidate.