The synthesis of a novel chalcone and evaluation for anti-free radical activity and antagonizing the learning impairments in Alzheimer's model.

We synthesized a new chalcone (4,2'-dihydroxy-3methoxy-5-bromine chalcone; C) and structurally identified it via infrared spectrometry (IR), (1)H-NMR, mass spectrometry (MS) and element analysis (EA). C was confirmed to be highly potent in scavenging 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and OH free radicals in vitro. Tests of anti-free radical activity in response to oxidative stress in mice revealed that C could elevate glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) levels and lower malonaldehyde (MDA) level in a free-radical-injured scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's model. Further behavioral tests with the Morris water maze showed that C could antagonize the learning impairments in the Alzheimer's model, which suggests that C has a potential role in Alzheimer's disease.