ADME predictions and molecular docking insights for novel Gypsogenin–chalcone hybrids and chalcones as antitumor and antimicrobial agents

The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial efficacy of novel semisynthesized Gypso-Anhd chalcone hybrids (C1–C27) and methoxy‑substituted hydroxychalcones (A1–A27) were evaluated in the following six cancer cell lines: A549, HeLa, HEK293, SHSY5Y, MDA-MB-231, and PANC-1. These derivatives exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, against G+ bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus), G- bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Candida albicans. Among hydroxychalcone derivatives, A19, A25, and A26, demonstrated superior antiproliferative activity compared doxorubicin, with IC50 values of 1.43 ± 0.02 μM (A19, A549), 1.04 ± 0.02 μM (A25, HeLa), 0.90 ± 0.14 μM (A25, HEK293), 0.25 ± 0.03 μM (A25, SHSY5Y), 1.18 ± 0.03 μM (A26, MDA-MB-231), and 0.99 ± 0.03 μM (A26, PANC-1). Likewise, hybrid derivatives C12, C14, and C26 exhibited higher antiproliferative activity than doxorubicin, with IC50 values of 1.33 ± 1.14 μM (C26, A549), 9.51 ± 0.03 μM (C12, HeLa), 4.09 ± 0.65 μM (C26, HEK293), 1.79 ± 0.09 μM (C12, SHSY5Y), 7.97 ± 0.84 μM (C26, MDA-MB-231), and 3.71 ± 0.49 μM (C14, PANC-1). Molecular docking studies confirmed target-specific interactions for all synthesized derivatives. ADME analyses indicated favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, while hydroxy and methoxy substitutions modulated bioactivity, highlighting their potential as anticancer drug candidates. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.