Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of benzophenone analogues.

A series of substituted benzophenone analogues has been synthesized and evaluated as orally active anti-inflammatory agents with reduced side effects. The anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic activities of the compounds were compared with naproxen, indomethacin, and phenylbutazone. In carrageenan-induced foot pad edema assay, benzophenone analogues showed an interesting anti-inflammatory activity. In the air-pouch test, some of the analogues reduced the total number of leukocytes of the exudate, which indicates inhibition of prostaglandin production. Side effects of the compounds were examined on gastric mucosa, in the liver and stomach. None of the compounds showed significant side effects compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin and naproxen.