Structural optimization and neurotrophic activity evaluation of neurotrophic gentiside derivatives

C14 alkyl benzoate ABG001, derived from naturally occurring gentisides, was reported to exhibit neurotrophic activity which is similar to NGF (Nerve Growth Factor). In this research, ABG001 was modified by the strategy of isosteric replacement and conformational restriction with the purpose of improving the bioactivity. The cellular neurotrophic activity of those ABG001 derivatives were evaluated, among which 3-hydroxyquinolin-2-(1H)-one A3 and 4-decylphenol ester B7 displayed much better neurotrophic activity compared with ABG001, which highlights the potential of those novel scaffolds for future neurotrophic agent development.