Revelation of Brevi-inflammin, a novel anti-inflammatory metabolite from Brevibacterium casei VRK 1, as a potent COX-2 inhibitor.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often cause adverse effects, leading to increased interest in the identification of natural compounds with fewer side effects. This study reports the purification and characterization of an alkylated flavonoid, Brevi-inflammin, a novel marine actinobacteria-derived compound that contains anti-inflammatory activity from Brevibacterium casei VRK 1. Using the one-pot synthesis method, the alkylated flavonoid compound Brevi-inflammin was synthesized and purified using semi-preparative reverse-phase HPLC. Further, it is characterized through multiple spectroscopic techniques, including UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, HPLC NMR, and UPLC-MS/MS. To assess the anti-inflammatory potential of Brevi-inflammin, the cytotoxic assessment and nitrous oxide inhibitory activity were performed. Further, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to evaluate the binding affinity and stability of Brevi-inflammin with a COX-2. Spectroscopic results revealed Brevi-inflammin as an alkylated flavonoid compound, evidenced by its maximum absorption at 230 nm, characteristic aromatic ring structures (CH and CH stretching vibrations), and alkylation signature at 1652 cm. Additionally, HPLC results highlighted Brevi-inflammin as a flavonoid compound. Structural verification through NMR studies confirmed Brevi-inflammin as an alkylated flavonoid. UPLC-MS/MS results confirmed its molecular mass as 279.05 m/z. Cytotoxicity studies proved the compound's safety up to a concentration of 250 μg/mL. The inhibition of nitrous oxide production was observed at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed strong binding interactions between Brevi-inflammin and COX-2, mediated through hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and van der Waals forces. Combining experimental and computational approaches, this comprehensive characterization establishes that Brevi-inflammin could be a promising candidate for anti-inflammatory applications.