Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Antinociceptive Properties of Novel CBD-Based Terpene-Cinnamoyl-Acyl-Hydrazone Analogues

Background/Objectives: Cannabidiol (CBD) has been reported for its antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. However, several legal restrictions for its medicinal uses, and even research, have contributed to the development of synthetic analogues. Therefore, the aim of this study was the design and synthesis of a novel series of CBD-based structural analogues, and the in vivo evaluation of their potential antinociceptive activity. Methods: Using a two-step synthetic route, 26 new terpene-cinnamoyl acyl-hydrazone analogues were obtained and were submitted in vivo screening in the classical formalin-induced paw edema and hot plate assays. Results: Compounds PQM-292, PQM-293, PQM-295, PQM-307, PQM-308, and PQM-309 exhibited the best results in the neurogenic phase (1st Phase) of the formalin-induced licking response, showing comparable results to morphine. Notably, in the inflammatory phase (2nd Phase), compound PQM-292 exhibited the best anti-inflammatory activity. Interestingly, in the hot plate model, other six compounds (PQM-274, PQM-291, PQM-294, PQM-304, PQM-305, and PQM-378) showed the best antinociceptive activity in comparison to morphine, especially PQM-274 which exhibited an antinociceptive effect almost equivalent to the reference drug. Interestingly, these findings suggested that these bioactive compounds, despite their structural similarity, act through different mechanisms, which were investigated by molecular docking with CB1, CB2, and TRPV1 receptors. In silico results indicated that the most active compounds should act through different mechanisms, probably involving interactions with TRPA1. Conclusions: Therefore, due to the promising antinociceptive activity observed for these highlighted compounds, particularly for PQM-292 and PQM-274, without apparent toxicity and psychoactive effects, and the possible involvement of diverse mechanisms of action, these compounds could be considered as promising starting points to the development of new drug candidate prototypes of clinical interest.