Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) act as a major class of therapeutic agents.
The biological activity of NSAIDs is due to the suppression of prostaglandin biosynthesis by inhibiting
cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. COX is an endogenous enzyme, which catalyzes the conversion
of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. But the significant side effect by NSAIDs is the formation of
gastric ulcers, irritation and GI bleeding. Therefore, alternative drugs that can overcome these limitations
are necessary. Towards the goal, oxadiazole derivatives are designed and synthesized following
a green chemistry approach. This method helps to reduce environmental pollution and the formation
of by-products so that the yield of products is increased in less reaction time. It is observed that the anti-
inflammatory activity of oxadiazoles is based on dual mechanisms, such as the inhibition of both
COX and LOX (lipoxygenase) enzyme thereby reducing gastric ulceration. On this basis, research is
carried out to develop efficient anti-inflammatory agents with minimal side effects by incorporating
the oxadiazole moiety.
