Sdougkou_2026_ChemMedChem_21_e70343

Alzheimer's disease, one of the most widespread neurodegenerative disorders, is known for its multifactorial nature that makes it challenging to treat. In the present work, hybrid molecules were designed and synthesized combining the anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of donepezil with the antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory activity of selected cinnamic acids. In particular, the new derivatives were conjugated by Steglich esterification or amidation of suitable benzylpiperazine/piperidine moieties with ferulic, sinapic, 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acids. All new molecules were evaluated for their activity in terms of AChE inhibition, while molecules that carried a phenolic group were also evaluated for their ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation. A representative group of compounds were studied in vivo for their anti-inflammatory activity with very encouraging results in paw-induced edema in mice. The 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic and sinapic acid esters with a two-carbon linker exhibited the strongest inhibition of AChE with nanomolar values of IC(50). In addition, the sinapic esters demonstrated the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, the above results indicate that the new sinapic acid derivatives based on donepezil combine anti-AChE, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, which warrant their further evaluation as new lead compounds in the treatment of related neurodegenerative diseases.