This study focuses on developing novel antimicrobials to combat drug-resistant pathogens, addressing compounds failing clinical trials due to inadequate physicochemical properties. Sixteen imidazolidine-4-one derivatives were synthesized by extensive evaluation using molecular docking, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) predictions, and antimicrobial testing. Molecular docking studies conducted with Schrödinger's Glide revealed that compounds S4 and G8 exhibited superior docking scores of -7.839 and -7.776, respectively. The G series outperformed the S series in scores. ADME analysis confirmed all compounds adhered to Lipinski's rule of five. In addition, IR and NMR provided details about the structure of the compounds. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, with compounds G2 and S2 showing exceptional minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 6.25 μg/mL against E. coli. S2 also demonstrated impressive activity against S. aureus (MIC 3.12 μg/mL), and S4 exhibited potent activity against C. albicans (MIC 0.8 μg/mL) than fluconazole (1.6 μg/mL). Additionally, antihelmintic activity was evaluated, with G1, G3, G8, S2, S4, S7, and S8 showing effective paralysis and death time 20 min and below at 50 mg/mL concentration. These results underscore the potential of new imidazolidine-4-one derivatives as suitable sources to develop a drug candidate to treat resistant infections.
Physical and psychological stress has an inverse relation with male libido and sperm quality. The present study investigates the potential fertility-enhancing properties of Desmodium gangeticum (DG) root extracts in male Wister rats subjected to immobilization-induced stress (SIMB). DG roots were extracted using n-hexane (HEDG), chloroform (CEDG), and water (AEDG). In the pilot study, aphrodisiac protentional was investigated at two doses (125 and 250 mg kg-1) of each extract. In the main study, the HEDG and AEDG at 125 and 250 mg kg-1 were challenged for the stress by immobilization (SIMB), for 6 h daily over 28 days. Parameters assessed included aphrodisiac effects, gonadosomatic index (GSI), semen quality, sperm quantity, fructose content, serum hormonal levels, testicular oxidative stress, and testicular histopathology. Additional in silico studies, including the lipid solubility index, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and SymMap studies were conducted for validation. HEDG demonstrated significant aphrodisiac activity, improved - GSI, sperm quality and quantity, and fructose content, serum testosterone levels, histological changes induced by SIMB in the testes. Swiss ADME studies indicated Gangetin (a pterocarpan) had a high brain permeation index (4.81), a superior docking score (-8.22), and higher glide energy (-42.60), compared with tadalafil (-7.17). The 'Lig fit Prot' plot in molecular dynamics simulations revealed a strong alignment between Gangetin and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). HEDG exerts aphrodisiac effects by increasing blood testosterone levels and affecting PDE5 activity. The protective effects on spermatozoa-related parameters and testicular histological changes are attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, of pterocarpan (gangetin).