Synthesis and Evaluation of Neuroprotective Selenoflavanones

The physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of a molecule could be improved by the substitution of an oxygen atom in a molecule with selenium. We synthesized selenoflavanones and flavanones to evaluate their neuroprotective effects. The selenoflavanones showed improved physicochemical properties, suggestive of the ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). They showed in vitro antioxidant effects against hydrogen peroxide, and did not result in severe cytotoxicity. Moreover, infarction volumes in a transient ischemia mouse model were significantly reduced by the selenoflavanone treatments.