Thio- and aminocaffeine analogues as inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase

In a recent study it was shown that 8-benzyloxycaffeine analogues act as potent reversible inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. Although the benzyloxy side chain appears to be particularly favorable for enhancing the MAO inhibition potency of caffeine, a variety of other C8 oxy substituents of caffeine also lead to potent MAO inhibition. In an attempt to discover additional C8 substituents of caffeine that lead to potent MAO inhibition and to explore the importance of the ether oxygen for the MAO inhibition properties of C8 oxy-substituted caffeines, a series of 8-sulfanyl- and 8-aminocaffeine analogues were synthesized and their human MAO-A and -B inhibition potencies were compared to those of the 8-oxycaffeines. The results document that the sulfanylcaffeine analogues are reversible competitive MAO-B inhibitors with potencies comparable to those of the oxycaffeines. The most potent inhibitor, 8-{[(4-bromophenyl)methyl]sulfanyl}caffeine, exhibited an IC₅₀ value of 0.167 μM towards MAO-B. While the sulfanylcaffeine analogues also exhibit affinities for MAO-A, they display in general a high degree of MAO-B selectivity. The aminocaffeine analogues, in contrast, proved to be weak MAO inhibitors with a number of analogues exhibiting no binding to the MAO-A and -B isozymes. The results of this study are discussed with reference to possible binding orientations of selected caffeine analogues within the active site cavities of MAO-A and -B. MAO-B selective sulfanylcaffeine derived inhibitors may act as lead compounds for the design of antiparkinsonian therapies.     

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by 8-[(phenylethyl)sulfanyl]caffeine analogues

In a previous study we have investigated the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory properties of a series of 8-sulfanylcaffeine analogues. Among the compounds studied, 8-[(phenylethyl)sulfanyl]caffeine (IC₅₀ = 0.223 μM) was found to be a particularly potent inhibitor of the type B MAO isoform. In an attempt to discover potent MAO inhibitors and to further examine the structure–activity relationships (SAR) of MAO inhibition by 8-sulfanylcaffeine analogues, in the present study a series of 8-[(phenylethyl)sulfanyl]caffeine analogues were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of human MAO-A and -B. The results document that substitution on C3 and C4 of the phenyl ring with alkyl groups and halogens yields 8-[(phenylethyl)sulfanyl]caffeine analogues which are potent and selective MAO-B inhibitors with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.017 to 0.125 μM. The MAO inhibitory properties of a series of 8-sulfinylcaffeine analogues were also examined. The results show that, compared to the corresponding 8-sulfanylcaffeine analogues, the 8-sulfinylcaffeins are weaker MAO-B inhibitors. Both the 8-sulfanylcaffeine and 8-sulfinylcaffeine analogues were found to be weak MAO-A inhibitors. This study also reports the MAO inhibition properties of selected 8-[(phenylpropyl)sulfanyl]caffeine analogues.     

α-Tetralone derivatives as inhibitors of monoamine oxidase

In the present study, a series of fifteen α-tetralone (3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one) derivatives were synthesised and evaluated as inhibitors of recombinant human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. The α-tetralone derivatives examined are structurally related to a series of chromone (1-benzopyran-4-one) derivatives which has previously been shown to act as MAO-B inhibitors. The results document that the α-tetralones are highly potent MAO-B inhibitors with all compounds exhibiting IC₅₀ values in the nanomolar range (<78 nM). Although most compounds are selective inhibitors of MAO-B, the α-tetralones are also potent MAO-A inhibitors with ten compounds exhibiting IC₅₀ values in the nanomolar range (<792 nM). The most potent MAO-B inhibitor, 6-(3-iodobenzyloxy)-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one, exhibits an IC₅₀ value of 4.5 nM with a 287-fold selectivity for MAO-B over the MAO-A isoform, while the most potent MAO-A inhibitor, 6-(3-cyanobenzyloxy)-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one, exhibits an IC₅₀ value of 24 nM with a 3.25-fold selectivity for MAO-A. Analyses of the structure–activity relationships for MAO inhibition show that substitution on the C6 position of the α-tetralone moiety is a requirement for MAO-A and MAO-B inhibition, and that a benzyloxy substituent on this position is more favourable for MAO-A inhibition than phenylethoxy and phenylpropoxy substitution. For MAO-B inhibition, alkyl and halogen substituents on the meta and para positions of the benzyloxy ring enhance inhibitory potency. It may be concluded that α-tetralone derivatives are promising leads for design of therapies for Parkinson’s disease and depression.     

Novel sulfanylphthalimide analogues as highly potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) plays an essential role in the catabolism of neurotransmitter amines. The two isoforms of this enzyme, MAO-A and -B, are considered to be drug targets for the therapy of depression and neurodegenerative diseases, respectively. Based on a recent report that the phthalimide moiety may be a useful scaffold for the design of potent MAO-B inhibitors, the present study examines a series of 5-sulfanylphthalimide analogues as potential inhibitors of both human MAO isoforms. The results document that 5-sulfanylphthalimides are highly potent and selective MAO-B inhibitors with all of the examined compounds possessing IC₅₀ values in the nanomolar range. The most potent inhibitor, 5-(benzylsulfanyl)phthalimide, exhibits an IC₅₀ value of 0.0045 μM for the inhibition of MAO-B with a 427-fold selectivity for MAO-B compared to MAO-A. We conclude that 5-sulfanylphthalimides represent an interesting class of MAO-B inhibitors and may serve as lead compounds for the design of antiparkinsonian therapy.     

Selected C7-substituted chromone derivatives as monoamine oxidase inhibitors

A series of C7-substituted chromone (1-benzopyran-4-one) derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of recombinant human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. The chromones are structurally related to a series of C7-functionalized coumarin (1-benzopyran-2-one) derivatives which has been reported to act as potent MAO inhibitors. The results of the current study document that the chromones are highly potent reversible inhibitors of MAO-B with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.008 to 0.370 μM. While the chromone derivatives also exhibit affinities for MAO-A, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.495 to 8.03 μM, they are selective for the MAO-B isoform. Structure–activity relationships (SAR) show that 7-benzyloxy substitution of chromone is suitable for MAO-B inhibition with tolerance for a variety of substituents and substitution patterns on the benzyloxy ring. It may be concluded that 7-benzyloxychromones are appropriate lead compounds for the design of reversible and selective MAO-B inhibitors. With the aid of modeling studies, potential binding orientations and interactions of selected chromone derivatives in the MAO-A and -B active sites are examined.     

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by 8-phenoxymethylcaffeine derivatives

A recent study has reported that a series of 8-benzyloxycaffeines are potent and reversible inhibitors of both human monoamine oxidase (MAO) isoforms, MAO-A and -B. In an attempt to discover additional caffeine derivatives with potent MAO inhibitory activities, and to contribute to the known structure-activity relationships of MAO inhibition by caffeine derived compounds, the present study investigates the MAO inhibitory potencies of series of 8-phenoxymethylcaffeine and 8-[(phenylsulfanyl)methyl]caffeine derivatives. The results document that the 8-phenoxymethylcaffeine derivatives act as potent reversible inhibitors of MAO-B, with IC(50) values ranging from 0.148 to 5.78 μM. In contrast, the 8-[(phenylsulfanyl)methyl]caffeine derivatives were found to be weak inhibitors of MAO-B, with IC(50) values ranging from 4.05 to 124 μM. Neither the 8-phenoxymethylcaffeine nor the 8-[(phenylsulfanyl)methyl]caffeine derivatives exhibited high binding affinities for MAO-A. While less potent than the 8-benzyloxycaffeines as MAO-B inhibitors, this study concludes that 8-phenoxymethylcaffeines may act as useful leads for the design of MAO-B selective inhibitors. Such compounds may find application in the therapy of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Using molecular docking experiments, this study also proposes possible binding orientations of selected caffeine derivatives in the active sites of MAO-A and -B.     

2-Arylthiomorpholine derivatives as potent and selective monoamine oxidase B inhibitors

2-Arylthiomorpholine and 2-arylthiomorpholin-5-one derivatives, designed as rigid and/or non-basic phenylethylamine analogues, were evaluated as rat and human monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Molecular docking provided insight into the binding mode of these inhibitors and rationalized their different potencies. Making the phenylethylamine scaffold rigid by fixing the amine chain in an extended six-membered ring conformation increased MAO-B (but not MAO-A) inhibitory activity relative to the more flexible α-methylated derivative. The presence of a basic nitrogen atom is not a prerequisite in either MAO-A or MAO-B. The best K_i values were in the 10^?8 M range, with selectivities towards human MAO-B exceeding 2000-fold.     

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase B by N-methyl-2-phenylmaleimides

Based on a recent report that 1-methyl-3-phenylpyrrolyl analogues are moderately potent reversible inhibitors of the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), a series of structurally related N-methyl-2-phenylmaleimidyl analogues has been prepared and evaluated as inhibitors of MAO-B. In general, the maleimides were more potent competitive inhibitors than the corresponding pyrrolyl analogues. N-Methyl-2-phenylmaleimide was found to be the most potent inhibitor with an enzyme–inhibitor dissociation constant (K_i value) of 3.49 μM, approximately 30-fold more potent than 1-methyl-3-phenylpyrrole (K_i = 118 μM). This difference in activities may be dependent upon the ability of the maleimidyl heterocyclic system to act as a hydrogen bond acceptor. This is in correspondence with literature reports which suggest that hydrogen bond formation is involved in stabilizing inhibitor–MAO-B complexes. Also reported here is a brief kinetic study of the hydrolysis of the N-methyl-2-phenylmaleimidyl analogues in aqueous solution. The findings of the inhibition studies are discussed with reference to the rate and extent of hydrolysis.     

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by (E)-styrylisatin analogues

Previous studies have shown that (E)-8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC) is a specific reversible inhibitor of human monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and does not bind to human MAO-A. Since the small molecule isatin is a natural reversible inhibitor of both MAO-B and MAO-A, (E)-5-styrylisatin and (E)-6-styrylisatin analogues were synthesized in an attempt to identify inhibitors with enhanced potencies and specificities for MAO-B. The (E)-styrylisatin analogues were found to exhibit higher binding affinities than isatin with the MAO preparations tested. The (E)-5-styrylisatin analogues bound more tightly than the (E)-6 analogue although the latter exhibits the highest MAO-B selectivity. Molecular docking studies with MAO-B indicate that the increased binding affinity exhibited by the (E)-styrylisatin analogues, in comparison to isatin, is best explained by the ability of the styrylisatins to bridge both the entrance cavity and the substrate cavity of the enzyme. Experimental support for this model is shown by the weaker binding of the analogues to the Ile199Ala mutant of human MAO-B. The lower selectivity of the (E)-styrylisatin analogues between MAO-A and MAO-B, in contrast to CSC, is best explained by the differing relative geometries of the aromatic rings for these two classes of inhibitors.     

Selective inhibition of monoamine oxidase A by purpurin,an anthraquinone

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) catalyzes the oxidation of monoamines that act as neurotransmitters. During a target-based screening of natural products using two isoforms of recombinant human MAO-A and MAO-B, purpurin (an anthraquinone derivative) was found to potently and selectively inhibit MAO-A, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.50 μM, and not to inhibit MAO-B. Alizarin (also an anthraquinone) inhibited MAO-A less potently with an IC₅₀ value of 30.1 μM. Furthermore, purpurin was a reversible and competitive inhibitor of MAO-A with a K_i value of 0.422 μM. A comparison of their chemical structures suggested the 4-hydroxy group of purpurin might play an important role in its inhibition of MAO-A. Molecular docking simulation showed that the binding affinity of purpurin for MAO-A (?40.0 kcal/mol) was higher than its affinity for MAO-B (?33.9 kcal/mol), and that Ile 207 and Gly 443 of MAO-A were key residues for hydrogen bonding with purpurin. The findings of this study suggest purpurin is a potent, selective, reversible inhibitor of MAO-A, and that it be considered a new potential lead compound for development of novel reversible inhibitors of MAO-A (RIMAs).     

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by selected C5- and C6-substituted isatin analogues

Previous studies have shown that (E)-5-styrylisatin and (E)-6-styrylisatin are reversible inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. Both homologues are reported to exhibit selective binding to the MAO-B isoform with (E)-5-styrylisatin being the most potent inhibitor. To further investigate these structure-activity relationships (SAR), in the present study, additional C5- and C6-substituted isatin analogues were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of recombinant human MAO-A and MAO-B. With the exception of 5-phenylisatin, all of the analogues examined were selective MAO-B inhibitors. The C5-substituted isatins exhibited higher binding affinities to MAO-B than the corresponding C6-substituted homologues. The most potent MAO-B inhibitor, 5-(4-phenylbutyl)isatin, exhibited an IC₅₀ value of 0.66 nM, approximately 13-fold more potent than (E)-5-styrylisatin and 18,500-fold more potent than isatin. The most potent MAO-A inhibitor was found to be 5-phenylisatin with an IC₅₀ value of 562 nM. The results document that substitution at C5 with a variety of substituents is a general strategy for enhancing the MAO-B inhibition potency of isatin. Possible binding orientations of selected isatin analogues within the active site cavities of MAO-A and MAO-B are proposed.     

Sulfanylphthalonitrile analogues as selective and potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B

It has recently been reported that nitrile containing compounds frequently act as potent monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors. Modelling studies suggest that this high potency inhibition may rely, at least in part, on polar interactions between nitrile functional groups and polar moieties within the MAO-B substrate cavity. In an attempt to identify potent and selective inhibitors of MAO-B and to contribute to the known structure–activity relationships of MAO inhibition by nitrile containing compounds, the present study examined the MAO inhibitory properties of series of novel sulfanylphthalonitriles and sulfanylbenzonitriles. The results document that the evaluated compounds are potent and selective MAO-B inhibitors with most homologues possessing IC₅₀ values in the nanomolar range. In general, the sulfanylphthalonitriles exhibited higher binding affinities for MAO-B than the corresponding sulfanylbenzonitrile homologues. Among the compounds evaluated, 4-[(4-bromobenzyl)sulfanyl]phthalonitrile is a particularly promising inhibitor since it displayed a high degree of selectivity (8720-fold) for MAO-B over MAO-A, and potent MAO-B inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.025 μM). Based on these observations, this structure may serve as a lead for the development of therapies for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.     

Design of novel nicotinamides as potent and selective monoamine oxidase a inhibitors

A series of N-(2-morpholinoethyl)nicotinamide (1–13) and N-(3-morpholinopropyl)nicotinamide derivatives (14–26) have been designed, synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B inhibitory activity and selectivity. Most of these synthesized compounds proved to be potent, and selective inhibitors of MAO-A rather than of MAO-B. 5-Chloro-6-hydroxy-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)nicotinamide (13) displayed the highest MAO-A inhibitory potency (IC₅₀ = 0.045 μM) and a good selectivity. 2-Bromo-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)nicotinamide (3) was the most potent MAO-B inhibitor with the IC₅₀ value of 0.32 μM, but it was not selective. Molecular dockings of compound 13 were performed in order to give structural insights regarding the MAO-A selectivity.     

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone derivatives

In the present study, a series of 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of recombinant human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. The 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone derivatives are structurally related to a series of coumarin (1-benzopyran-2-one) derivatives which have been reported to act as MAO-B inhibitors. The results document that the quinolinones are highly potent and selective MAO-B inhibitors with most homologues exhibiting IC₅₀ values in the nanomolar range. The most potent MAO-B inhibitor, 7-(3-bromobenzyloxy)-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone, exhibits an IC₅₀ value of 2.9 nM with a 2750-fold selectivity for MAO-B over the MAO-A isoform. An analysis of the structure–activity relationships for MAO-B inhibition shows that substitution on the C7 position of the 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone scaffold leads to significantly more potent inhibition compared to substitution on C6. In this regard, a benzyloxy substituent on C7 is more favourable than phenylethoxy and phenylpropoxy substitution on this position. It may be concluded that C7-substituted 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinones are promising leads for the therapy of Parkinson’s disease.     

Alkynyl–coumarinyl ethers as MAO-B inhibitors

In this study, alkynyl–coumarinyl ethers were developed as inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). A series of 31 new, ether-connected coumarin derivatives was synthesized via hydroxycoumarins, whose phenolic group at position 6, 7 or 8 was converted by means of the Mitsunobu reaction. The majority of the final products were produced from primary alcohols with a terminal alkyne group. The inhibitors were optimized with respect to the structure of the alkynyloxy chain and its position at the fused benzene ring as well as the residue at position 3 of the pyran-2H-one part. A hex-5-ynyloxy chain at position 7 was found to be particular advantageous. Among the 7-hex-5-ynyloxy-coumarins, the 3-methoxycarbonyl derivative 36 was characterized as a dual-acting inhibitor with IC₅₀ values of less than 10 nM towards MAO-A and MAO-B, and the 3-(4-methoxy)phenyl derivative 44 was shown to combine strong anti-MAO-B potency (IC₅₀ = 3.0 nM) and selectivity for MAO-B over MAO-A (selectivity >3400-fold).     

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by C5-substituted phthalimide analogues

Literature reports that isatin as well as C5- and C6-substituted isatin analogues are reversible inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. In general, C5- and C6-substitution of isatin leads to enhanced binding affinity to both MAO isozymes compared to isatin and in most instances result in selective binding to the MAO-B isoform. Crystallographic and modeling studies suggest that the isatin ring binds to the substrate cavities of MAO-A and -B and is stabilized by hydrogen bond interactions between the NH and the C2 carbonyl oxygen of the dioxoindolyl moiety and water molecules present in the substrate cavities of MAO-A and -B. Based on these observations and the close structural resemblances between isatin and its phthalimide isomer, a series of phthalimide analogues were synthesized and evaluated as MAO inhibitors. While phthalimide and N-aryl-substituted phthalimides were found to be weak MAO inhibitors, phthalimide homologues containing C5 substituents were potent reversible inhibitors of recombinant human MAO-B with IC(50) values ranging from 0.007 to 2.5 μM and moderately potent reversible inhibitors of recombinant human MAO-A with IC(50) values ranging from 0.22 to 9.0 μM. By employing molecular docking the importance of hydrogen bonding between the active sites of MAO-A and -B and the phthalimide inhibitors are highlighted.     

Design,synthesis and biological evaluation of N-methyl-N-[(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)alkyl]propargylamines as novel monoamine oxidase B inhibitors

Different azides and alkynes have been coupled via Cu-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition to afford a novel family of N₁- and C₅-substituted 1,2,3-triazole derivatives that feature the propargylamine group typical of irreversible MAO-B inhibitors at the C4-side chain of the triazole ring. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated against human MAO-A and MAO-B. Structure–activity relationships and molecular modeling were utilized to gain insight into the structural and chemical features that enhance the binding affinity and selectivity between the two enzyme isoforms. Several lead compounds, in terms of potency (submicromolar to low micromolar range), MAO-B selective recognition, and brain permeability, were identified. One of these leads (MAO-B IC₅₀ of 3.54 μM, selectivity MAO-A/MAO-B index of 27.7) was further subjected to reversibility and time-dependence inhibition studies, which disclosed a slow and irreversible inhibition of human MAO-B. Overall, the results support the suitability of the 4-triazolylalkyl propargylamine scaffold for exploring the design of multipotent anti-Alzheimer compounds endowed with irreversible MAO-B inhibitory activity.     

2-Heteroarylidene-1-indanone derivatives as inhibitors of monoamine oxidase

In the present study a series of fifteen 2-heteroarylidene-1-indanone derivatives were synthesised and evaluated as inhibitors of recombinant human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. These compounds are structurally related to series of heterocyclic chalcone derivatives which have previously been shown to act as MAO-B specific inhibitors. The results document that the 2-heteroarylidene-1-indanones are in vitro inhibitors of MAO-B, displaying IC₅₀ values of 0.0044–1.53 μM. Although with lower potencies, the derivatives also inhibit the MAO-A isoform with IC₅₀ values as low as 0.061 μM. An analysis of the structure-activity relationships for MAO-B inhibition indicates that substitution with the methoxy group on the A-ring leads to a significant enhancement in MAO-B inhibition compared to the unsubstituted homologues while the effect of the heteroaromatic substituent on activity, in decreasing order is: 5-bromo-2-furan > 5-methyl-2-furan > 2-pyridine ≈ 2-thiophene > cyclohexyl > 3-pyridine ≈ 2-furan. It may therefore be concluded that 2-heteroarylidene-1-indanone derivatives are promising leads for the design of MAO inhibitors for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.     

Indole alkaloids of Psychotria as multifunctional cholinesterases and monoamine oxidases inhibitors

Thirteen Psychotria alkaloids were evaluated regarding their interactions with acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and monoamine oxidases A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B), which are enzymatic targets related with neurodegenerative diseases. Two quaternary β-carboline alkaloids, prunifoleine and 14-oxoprunifoleine, inhibited AChE, BChE and MAO-A with IC₅₀ values corresponding to 10 and 3.39 μM for AChE, 100 and 11 μM for BChE, and 7.41 and 6.92 μM for MAO-A, respectively. Both compounds seem to behave as noncompetitive AChE inhibitors and time-dependent MAO-A inhibitors. In addition, the monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) angustine, vallesiachotamine lactone, E-vallesiachotamine and Z-vallesiachotamine inhibited BChE and MAO-A with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.47 to 14 μM for BChE inhibition and from 0.85 to 2.14 μM for MAO-A inhibition. Among the tested MIAs, angustine is able to inhibit MAO-A in a reversible and competitive way while the three vallesiachotamine-like alkaloids display a time-dependent inhibition on this target. Docking calculations were performed in order to understand the binding mode between the most active ligands and the selected targets. Taken together, our findings established molecular details of AChE, BChE and MAO-A inhibition by quaternary β-carboline alkaloids and MIAs from Psychotria, suggesting these secondary metabolites are scaffolds for the development of multifunctional compounds against neurodegeneration.     

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase by phthalide analogues

Based on recent reports that the small molecules, isatin and phthalimide, are suitable scaffolds for the design of high potency monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, the present study examines the MAO inhibitory properties of a series of phthalide [2-benzofuran-1(3H)-one] analogues. Phthalide is structurally related to isatin and phthalimide and it is demonstrated here that substitution at C6 of the phthalide moiety yields compounds endowed with high binding affinities to both human MAO isoforms. Among the nineteen homologues evaluated, the lowest IC₅₀ values recorded for the inhibition of MAO-A and -B were 0.096 and 0.0014 μM, respectively. In most instances, C6-substituted phthalides exhibit MAO-B specific inhibition. Among a series of 6-benzyloxyphthalides bearing substituents on the para position of the phenyl ring the general order of potency was CF₃ > I > Br > Cl > F > CH₃ > H. The results also show that the binding modes of representative phthalides are reversible and competitive at both MAO isoforms. Based on these data, C6-substituted phthalides may serve as leads for the development of therapies for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.