First total synthesis and evaluation of the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of (±)-methyl dihydromarmesinate, an anti-inflammatory phenylpropanoid from Ficus hirta Vahl., and related benzofurans

Key Points

• This research aims to synthesize (±)-methyl dihydromarmesinate and evaluate its activity against α-glucosidase.
• Conducted total synthesis of (±)-methyl dihydromarmesinate through a concise 6-step reaction sequence.
• Utilized 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde as the starting material.
• Assessed the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the synthesized compound.
• Achieved total synthesis with a yield of 52%.
• Demonstrated that (±)-methyl dihydromarmesinate exhibits significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.