Zinc-aceclofenac complex: synthesis, hydrolysis study and antiinflammatory studies.

Aceclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has a propensity to cause gastric ulcers, while zinc ions are known to possess anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory activities. With a view to reduce the gastroenteropathies associated with aceclofenac, its zinc complex was prepared and characterized using spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. In vitro hydrolysis study showed that zinc complex of aceclofenac is more stable in HCl buffer (pH 1.2) than in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) indicating the stability of the complex in stomach. In silico testing of the aceclofenac and its complex using PASS (Prediction of activity spectra of substances) software revealed that the complex might possess antiinflammatory activity which was confirmed by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test. It has been found that antiinflammatory activity of this complex is comparable with that of parent drug along with reduction in ulcer index. Thus, the use of complex is suggested to be more preferable than aceclofenac alone.