Synthesis of indolyl-3-acetonitrile derivatives and their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide and PGE2 productions in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells.

Arvelexin is one of major constituents of Brassica rapa that exerts anti-inflammatory activities. Several indolyl-3-acetonitrile derivatives were synthesized as arvelexin analogs and evaluated for their abilities to inhibit NO and PGE2 productions in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Of the indolyl-3-acetonitriles synthesized, compound 2k, which possesses a hydroxyl group at C-7 position of the indole ring and an N-methyl substituent, more potently inhibited NO and PGE2 productions and was less cytotoxic than arvelexin on macrophage cells.