Schiff base ligand L synthesis and its evaluation as anticancer and antidepressant agent

Abstract Objectives The current study focuses on the synthesis of Schiff base ligand L [1(pyridine-2-ylimino) methyl) naphthalene-2-ol], and its applications as anticancer agent against human lung (H-460) and breast (MCF-7) cell lines, and as antidepressant agent. Methods The Schiff base ligand L was synthesized by aldol condensation reaction by reacting commercially available 2-hydroxy-1-napthaldehyde with 2-amino-pyridine. The synthesized ligand was characterized by different spectroscopic techniques and evaluated for its anticancer potential against H-460 and MCF-7 cell lines. The antidepressant activity was evaluated by means of elevated plus maze model using Diazepam as reference drug. Results A dose dependent inhibitory response was recorded against both the cell line used. For highest tested dose (500 µg/ml), 89.20% of anticancer activity with IC50 = 23.99 µg/ml against H-460 was observed while an IC50 of 31.68 µg/ml against MCF-7 indicated the potential of this compound to be used as anticancer agent. A dose dependent response was also recorded for the synthesized ligand when tested as antidepressant in elevated plus maze model. Conclusion The synthesized Schiff base ligand L exhibited good anticancer and antidepressant activities that could be used as alternative drug to treat the related health complications. However, further toxicological and clinical studies are needed to confirm the safe use of this compound.