Synthesis, molecular docking and biological evaluation of some newer 2-substituted-4-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-6-phenylpyridazin-3(2H)-ones as potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents

A new series of 2-substituted-4-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-6-phenylpyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives has been synthesized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The compound 14 displayed maximum potency with least side effects. [Display omitted] •Synthesis of a new series of 2-substituted-4-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-6-phenyl-pyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives.•Biological evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, COX-inhibitory, gastric ulcerogenic and anti-platelet activities.•Identification of pyridazinone 14 as a safe and potent agent.•Molecular docking studies showed good binding interactions at the active site of hCOX-2 enzyme. A new series of 2-substituted-4-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-6-phenylpyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives has been synthesized and studied. The in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated using carrageen rat paw edema model and acetic acid induced writhing model, respectively. Side effect profile of the newly synthesized pyridazinones was assessed by gastric ulcerogenic and anti-platelet activity. The compounds were further evaluated for their inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX-1/COX-2) by in vitro colorimetric COX (ovine) inhibitor screening assay method. The p-flourophenylpiperazine substituted analogue 14 exhibited most potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with lower ulcer index and extremely good selectivity towards COX-2 versus COX-1 enzyme with a selectivity index of 10. Molecular docking studies showed appreciable binding of new pyridazinone analogues with the amino acids present at the active site of hCOX-2 enzyme.