THYMOL ESTER OF GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID: SYNTHESIS AND ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY

Abstract

Thymol ester of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) − 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenyl 4-aminobutyrate hydrochloride − was synthesized via Steglich esterification and characterized by 1H NMR, IR and mass spectral studies. The anticonvulsant activity of obtained compound was estimated over a wide range of doses 5-80 mg/kg by determining the minimum effective doses of pentylenetetrazole inducing clonic-tonic convulsions and tonic extension. Present findings indicate that thymol ester of GABA is not a classical prodrug and possesses its own pharmacological activity. Prolonged antiseizure action of thymol derivative (20 mg/kg) was revealed at 24 hours after oral administration. Furthermore, orally co-administered gidazepam (1 mg/kg) and thymol ester of GABA (20 mg/kg) produce synergistic effect in seizures prevention.

Keywords

• тимол, гамма-аміномасляна кислота, естер, протисудомна активність