Hybrid chalcone-pyrazoline derivatives: synthesis and in silico evaluation for anticancer potential

This study aimed to design, synthesize, and evaluate a hybrid chalcone-pyrazoline derivatives as potential anticancer agents targeting B-Raf kinase in lung cancer. Chalcone-pyrazoline derivatives (PY1-PY10) were synthesized via Claisen-Schmidt condensation followed by cyclization, characterized using FT-IR, NMR, and LC-MS. In vitro cytotoxic activity was assessed against A549 human lung cancer cells using the MTT assay. Molecular docking studies were performed with B-Raf kinase (PDB ID: 2FB8) using Schrödinger software. ADME properties were predicted using SwissADME. Compound PY7 exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 6.45 µM) and the highest docking score (-8.89 kcal/mol), showing strong binding interactions with GLN530 in B-Raf kinase. Structure Activity Relationship analysis revealed that electron-withdrawing para-nitro substituents enhanced potency, while electron-donating groups generally reduced activity. ADME profiling confirmed all compounds complied with Lipinski's Rule of Five, had high gastrointestinal absorption, and displayed favorable drug-likeness. The findings identify PY7 as a promising lead candidate with potent anticancer activity, strong B-Raf binding affinity, and favorable pharmacokinetics. This work supports chalcone-pyrazole scaffolds as viable templates for the development of novel targeted lung cancer therapeutics.