Biological Evaluation of Synthesized Naringenin Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents

Background: Flavonoids are among the most abundant plant secondary metabolites and have been shown to have natural abilities as microbial deterrents and anti-infection agents in plants. Naringenin as one of the flavonoids and its derivatives have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate synthesized novel naringenin derivatives (ND-1 to ND- 12) substituted at 3-position with bulky substituent by using the grinding technique (Claisen- Schmidt reaction) as antimicrobial agents. Methods: Synthesized naringenin derivatives were evaluated for in-vitro antimicrobial activity by “Agar disc diffusion method”. Results: Novel naringenin derivatives showed mild to moderate antimicrobial activity with respect to standard drugs against two gram-positive, two gram-negative bacteria and two fungal strains. The substitution of naringenin derivatives at position 3 with substituted phenyl rings showed variation in activity as chloro, nitro and hydroxyl-substituted phenyl ring showed potent activity while methoxy substituted phenyl ring impede the activity. Conclusion: In conclusion, on the basis of the above findings, the substituted naringenin scaffolds may be selected as a skeleton for the development of flavonoid structurally-related compounds having antimicrobial activity.