Synthesis of a vanadyl (IV) folate complex for the treatment of diabetes: spectroscopic, structural, and biological characterization

Abstract

Background

This study aimed to design a compound with folic acid (FAH ₂) and vanadyl (IV) for use in the treatment of diabetes.

Materials and methods

A novel vanadyl (IV) FAH ₂ complex was synthesized and characterized [(FA ²⁻)(VO ²⁺)]⋅3H ₂O. The speculated structure of this folate complex was determined using physicochemical techniques including microanalytical analysis, conductivity studies, spectroscopic examination, magnetic measurements, thermogravimetric analyses, and morphological X-ray powder diffraction, and scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The anti-diabetic therapeutic potential of the complexes was tested in a 30-day streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat model.

Results

The conductivity test of the complex implied electrolyte behavior. The spectroscopic assessments of the isolated dark yellow solid complex revealed that FAH ₂ acts as a bidentate ligand. The coordination process with two vanadyl (IV) ions occurred through the deprotonation of both carboxyl groups of FAH ₂ in a regular square pyramid arrangement at a 2(FA) ²⁻: 2(VO) ²⁺ molar ratio. XRD, SEM, and TEM analyses revealed the complex crystalline nature of the complex. Treating diabetic rats with vanadyl (IV) FAH ₂ complex significantly improved many biological parameters relevant to diabetes pathology with minimal toxicity.

Conclusion

The data generated in this study indicate that the synthesized vanadyl (IV) folate complex acts as a model of anti-diabetic agent.