Anti-inflammatory activity of (cresoxyacetate)copper complexes]

In groups of mononuclear aqua(cresoxyacetato)copper(II) complexes of the composition [Cu(ROCH2COO)2(H2O)n] (R= 2- and 3-methylphenyl, n = 2; 4-methylphenyl, n = 3) and binu- clear phenazone(o-, m-, p-cresoxyacetato)copper(II) complexes of the composition [Cu2(ROCH2COO)4(phz)2] the anti-inflammatory activity was assayed in rat paw carrageenan-induced edema. The effects of the complexes were compared with each other and with those of the free acids. Salicylic acid and its cupric salt (tetrahydrate) were used as standards of comparison. All copounds were applied i.p. in a single dose of 50 mumol/kg body weight (calculated for the RCOO-fragment). In general, all Cu(II) complexes tested were clearly more effective (71-88%) than the corresponding free isomeric cresoxyacetic acids (47, 37, 45%), with the exception of diaquabis (o-cresoxyacetato)copper(II) complex (43%). Copper(II) salicylate tetrahydrate (57%) and salicylic acid (41%) were less active, too. The observed activities of complexes are discussed in relation to their structures.