Synthesis, modeling studies and evaluation of E-stilbene hydrazides as potent anticancer agents

A group of new thermodynamically more stable E-2-styrylbenzohydrazide derivatives (5a-i) were synthesized via palladium catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck reaction conditions. All synthesized compounds were characterized by UV-visible, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Anticancer potential of all synthesized E-stilbene analogues (5a-i) were investigated via cell proliferation assay and apoptosis by Hoechst 33258 staining assay. The most active compound (5e) showed significant anticancer potential against estrogen dependent human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The cell viability and apoptosis of compound (5e) was found 56 ± 0.06% and 80.09 ± 0.07% respectively as compared to standard drug (Doxorubicin) with cell viability of 62 ± 0.03% and apoptosis 73.69 ± 0.05%. Docking studies revealed higher efficacy of compound (5e) owing to its better binding affinity and ligand efficiency scores (Ki = 0.000076 nMol). All stilbene hydrazides (5a-i) exhibited significant anticancer activity against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Therefore, stilbene analogues with hydrazide moiety may offer immense potential for future therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications.