Anti-mycobacterium compositions and methods of preparing and using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to compounds, compositions and methods for the prevention or treatment of mycobacterium infections. The compounds are naturally occurring and synthetic biflavonoids, flavonoids, chalcones and chalcone like compounds. The compounds were screened for anti-mycobacterium activity. Of the compounds showing anti-mycobacterium activity, eight were identified as particularly potent, exhibiting greater than 90% inhibition of the growth of Mtb at a concentration of 12.5 Πg/mL. The actual minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), defined as the lowest concentration inhibiting 99% of the inoculum, for the preferred compounds ranged from 6.8 to 48.3 ΠM. 1

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing or treating mycobacterium infections, particularly tuberculosis infections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Infectious diseases remain the largest cause of death in the world today, greater than cardiovascular disease or cancer.1 Among infectious diseases, tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death.2

[0004] Tuberculosis, caused by the infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), kills three million people worldwide and eight million people develop the disease each year according to current estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO). More people die from TB than from malaria, diarrhea, AIDS and tropical diseases combined.

[0005] Tuberculosis mainly affects the lungs but can also involve other organs. TB strikes people of all ages, but is more common among the elderly. The disease can also afflict animals, especially livestock such as cattle, hogs and poultry. This disease once ranked among the most common causes of death in the world. Today, improved methods of prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment have greatly reduced both the number of people who contract the disease and the number of people who die from it. However, in the last decade, the outbreaks of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) and TB amplified by the global HIV pandemic make TB an urgent global issue.

[0006] One third of the world's population is infected with Mtb,3 a facultative intracellular bacillus. After infection with Mtb, the lifetime risk of developing TB is approximately 10%, while 90% of infected persons have latent infection with viable bacilli. This 10% rate of TB accounts for the 8 million persons reported annually with active TB, and the resultant 3 million deaths. Moreover, TB is a serious problem faced by hemodialysis patients,4 and is the number one killer of women of childbearing age around the world, with 1.2 million women dying of the disease in 1997, according to reports by the WHO.5

[0007] TB infection is a serious problem for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. HIV-infected individuals are particularly susceptible to infection with Mtb and the development of TB. Compared to an individual who is not infected with HIV, an individual infected with HIV has a 10 times greater risk of developing TB. In an individual infected with HIV, the presence of other infections, including TB, may allow HIV to multiply more quickly. This may result in more rapid progression of HIV infection and AIDS.6 As HIV infection progresses, CD4+ lymphocytes decline in number and function. The immune system is less able to prevent the growth and local spread of Mtb. Even in HIV-infected patients, pulmonary TB (PTB) is still the most common form of TB. The presentation of the disease depends on the degree of immunosuppression. As in adults, the natural history of TB in a child infected with HIV depends on the stage of HIV disease. Early in HIV infection, when immunity is, strong, the signs of TB are similar to those in a child without HIV infection. As HIV infection progresses and immunity declines, dissemination of TB becomes more common and tuberculous meningitis, miliary tuberculosis, and widespread tuberculous lymphadenopathy occur more frequently.

[0008] HIV-positive patients and staff in health units face daily exposure to TB. The risk of exposure is greatest in adult medical wards and TB wards where there are many PTB cases. From 1990-1992, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) investigated outbreaks of MDRTB in several hospitals and a state correctional system. Almost 300 cases of MDRTB were identified in these outbreaks; most patients were HIV-seropositive. The mortality rate was 80%-90% and the median interval from diagnosis of tuberculosis to death ranged from 4-16 weeks.7 In 1995, about one third of the 17 million HIV-infected people worldwide were also co-infected with Mtb.6

[0009] Current treatment of TB requires taking at least two antibiotics, usually isoniazid and rifanipicin, supplemented with pyrazinamide and ethambutol added when isoniazid resistance is suspected.

[0010] Isoniazid (isonicotinic acid hydrazide) (INH) was first reported to be effective against Mtb and M bovis in 1952.8-10 Isoniazid, now still a front-line therapy against TB, has been shown to be an effective prophylactic antitubercular11, and modern short-course chemotherapy is initiated with three drugs: isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide(PZA), often with the inclusion of a fourth drug, usually ethambutol. Recently, rifapentine, a derivative of rifamycin, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of tuberculosis.12

[0011] The American Thoracic Society and the CDC in the United States now recommend a treatment regimen of isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide for 2 months, followed by isoniazid and rifampin for an additional 4 months, as the standard 6-month regimen. Isoniazid, cheap and safe, has a wide therapeutic margin and high early bactericidal activity so that it kills rapidly growing bacilli in lesions, but is inefficient in ultimately sterilizing these lesions. Rifampin and PZA are crucial in achieving sterilization by killing persisting semi-dormant bacilli, and are thus responsible for shortening the duration of treatment from the earlier norm of 12-18 months to the current standard of 6 months.13 However, many people fail to complete the lengthy therapy, treatment failures are high and MDR is increasing. A four-year study, led by the WHO, shows that of people who had been treated for TB for less than a month, 36 percent harbored microbes that resisted at least one of the four main anti-tuberculosis drugs. Moreover, 10% of infected people who had never been treated for the disease carried a strain of Mtb that resisted at least one drug.14

[0012] Drug resistance resulting from inadequate treatment, such as irregular drug supply, inappropriate regimens or poor compliance is a potential threat to TB control programs throughout the world. Patients infected with strains resistant to multiple drugs are less likely to be cured, particularly if they are infected with HIV or malnourished, and their treatment is more toxic and more expensive than the treatment of patients with susceptible organisms.

[0013] The resurgence of TB, the development of MDR to Mtb and the discovery that the progression of TB is accelerated in HIV-positive patients have intensified the need to develop more efficient drugs to combat this disease.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to compounds, compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing mycobacterium infections, especially tuberculosis infections, in patients. The method is useful for treating or preventing mycobacterium infections in immunocomprised patients, particularly HIV infected patients.

[0015] The present invention relates to compounds, compositions and methods for the prevention or treatment of mycobacterium infections. The compounds are naturally occurring and synthetic biflavonoids, flavonoids, chalcones and chalcone like compounds. The compounds were screened for anti-mycobacterium activity and several were found to cause inhibition of a mycobacterium infection. Of these, eight were identified as particularly potent, exhibiting greater than 90% inhibition of the growth of Mtb at a concentration of 12.5 Πg/mL. The actual minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), defined as the lowest concentration inhibiting 99% of the inoculum, for the preferred compounds ranged from 6.8 to 48.3 ΠM.

[0016] Accordingly, one object of the invention is a method for preventing or treating a mycobacterium infection in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of anti-mycobacterium prevention or treatment an effective anti-mycobacterium amount of at least one compound of formula i. 2

[0017] wherein R1-R9 are independently comprised of H; OCH3; EtO; OH; O-alkenyl; phenyl; NH2; COOH; F; Cl; Br; I; CONH2; NO2; NR10R11OCONR10R11 wherein R10 and R1 independently comprise H alkyl (e.g., C1-6 linear or branched alkyl) or aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more of the following: C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy-C1-4 alkyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-6 alkylamino, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino, amino-C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkylamino-C1-8 alkyl, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino-C1-8 alkyl, nitro, azido or halogen); COR12 wherein R12 comprises H, OH, O— alkyl (e.g., C1-6 linear or branched alkyl), O-aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more of the following: C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy-C1-4 alkyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-6 alkylamino, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino, amino-C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkylamino-C1-8 alkyl, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino-C1-8 alkyl, nitro, azido or halogen) or amino; NHCOCH3; O2; OCOR13 wherein R13 comprises alkyl (e.g., C1-6 linear or branched alkyl) or aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more of the following: C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy-C1-4 alkyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-6 alkylamino, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino, amino-C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkylamino-C1-8 alkyl, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino-C1-8 alkyl, nitro, azido or halogen); OAc; benzoyl; CONH2; or NO2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof.

[0018] Compounds of the formula i as well as anti-mycobacterium compositions comprising compounds of the formula i are included within this aspect of the invention.

[0019] Another object of the invention is a method for preventing or treating a mycobacterium infection in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of anti-mycobacterium prevention or treatment an effective anti-mycobacterium amount of at least one compound of formula ii. 3

[0020] wherein R1 comprises 4-fluorophenyl-, 3-hydroxyphenyl-, pyridin-3-yl-, furan-2yl-, phenanthren-2-yl-, 3-fluorenyl-, pyridin-2-yl-, naphthalen-1-yl-, pyridin-2-yl-, 4-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl-, pyridin-4-yl-, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl-, 4-aminophenyl-, pyridin-4-yl-, 2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl-, 4-methoxyphenyl-, 4-methoxyphenyl-, 2-hydroxy-5-chlorophenyl-, 4-aminophenyl-, 3-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl-, furan-2-yl- or pyridin-2-yl-; and

[0021] R2 comprises pyridin-3-yl-, phenanthren-9-yl-, phenanthren-9-yl-, phenyl-, 2-aminopyridino-3-yl, 2-aminopyridino-3-yl-, pyridin-2-yl-, phenyl-, 4-dimethyl-aminophenyl-, furan-2-yl-, indol-2-yl-, furan-2-yl-, 2-aminopyridin-3-yl-, 4-dimethylaminophenyl-, furan-2-yl-, pyridin-4-yl-, pyridin-3-yl-, 2-aminopyridin-3-yl-, 2-aminopyridin-3-yl-, 2-aminopyridin-3-yl-, pyridin-4-yl- or 4-methoxyphenyl-; or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof.

[0022] Compounds of the formula ii as well as anti-mycobacterium compositions comprising compounds of the formula ii are included within this aspect of the invention.

[0023] Another object of the invention is a method for preventing or treating a mycobacterium infection in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of anti-mycobacterium prevention or treatment an effective anti-mycobacterium amount of at least one compound of formula iii. 4

[0024] wherein R1-R8 are independently comprised of H; OCH3; EtO; OH; O-alkenyl; phenyl; NH2; COOH; F; Cl; Br; I; CONH2; NO2; NR10R11OCONR10R11 wherein R10 and R11 independently comprise H alkyl (e.g., C1-6 linear or branched alkyl) or aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more of the following: C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy-C1-4 alkyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-6 alkylamino, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino, amino-C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkylamino-C1-8 alkyl, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino-C1-8 alkyl, nitro, azido or halogen); COR12 wherein R12 comprises H, OH, O— alkyl (e.g., C1-6 linear or branched alkyl), O-aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more of the following: C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy-C1-4 alkyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-6 alkylamino, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino, amino-C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkylamino-C1-8alkyl, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino-C1-8 alkyl, nitro, azido or halogen) or amino; NHCOCH3; O2; OCOR13 wherein R13 comprises alkyl (e.g., C1-6 linear or branched alkyl) or aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more of the following: C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy-C1-4 alkyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-6 alkylamino, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino, amino-C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkylamino-C1-8 alkyl, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino-C1-8 alkyl, nitro, azido or halogen); OAc; benzoyl; CONH2; or NO2; or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof.

[0025] Compounds of the formula iii as well as anti-mycobacterium compositions comprising compounds of the formula iii are included within this aspect of the invention.

[0026] Another object of the invention is a method for preventing or treating a mycobacterium infection in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of anti-mycobacterium prevention or treatment an effective anti-mycobacterium amount of at least one compound of formula iv. 5

[0027] wherein R—R8 are independently comprised of H; OCH3; EtO; OH; O-alkenyl; phenyl; NH2; COOH; F; Cl; Br; I; CONH2; NO2; NR10R11OCONR10R11, wherein R10 and R11 independently comprise H alkyl (e.g., C1-6 linear or branched alkyl) or aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more of the following: C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy-C1-4 alkyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-6 alkylamino, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino, amino-C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkylamino-C1-8 alkyl, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino-C1-8 alkyl, nitro, azido or halogen); COR12 wherein R12 comprises H, OH, O— alkyl (e.g., C1-6 linear or branched alkyl), O-aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more of the following: C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy-C1-4 alkyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-6 alkylamino, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino, amino-C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkylamino-C1-8 alkyl, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino-Cl 8 alkyl, nitro, azido or halogen) or amino; NHCOCH3; O2−; OCOR13 wherein R13 comprises alkyl (e.g., C1-6 linear or branched alkyl) or aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more of the following: C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy-C1-4 alkyl, hydroxyl, amino, C1-6 alkylamino, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino, amino-C1-8 alkyl, C1-8 alkylamino-C1-8 alkyl, di(C1-6 alkyl)amino-C1-8 alkyl, nitro, azido or halogen); OAc; benzoyl; CONH2; or NO2; or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof.

[0028] Compounds of the formula iv as well as anti-mycobacterium compositions comprising compounds of the formula iv are included within this aspect of the invention.

[0029] Yet another object of the invention is a method for treating or preventing mycobacterium infection in a patient comprising biflavonoid compounds, particularly 6-6″-biapigenin hexamethylether, volkensiflavone hexamethylether, GB-1a hexamethylether, 3′″-Nitro-C3-O-C4′″-biflavone, 3′-8″-biflavone, 6-2′″-biflavone, 6-6″-binaringenin hexamethyl-ether or 6-2′″-biapigenin or derivative or salt thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers therefor.

[0030] Still yet another object of the invention is to provide anti-mycobacterium composition comprising biflavonoid compounds for treating or preventing a mycobacterium infection in a patient particularly 6-6″-biagpigenin hexamethylether, volkensiflavone hexamethylether, GB-1a hexamethylether, 3′″-Nitro-C3-O-C4′″-biflavone, 3′-8″-biflavone, 6-2′″-biflavone, 6-6″-binaringenin hexamethylether or 6-2′″-biapigenin or derivative or salt thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers therefor.

[0031] These and other objects of the invention will be clear in light of the detailed description below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] This invention relates to compounds, compositions and methods for treating or preventing mycobacterium infections in mammals. The compounds of the present invention are synthetic or naturally occurring chalcones, chalcone-like compounds, biflavonoids and flavonoids. The compounds were screened for anti-mycobacterium activity. Of the compounds showing anti-mycobacterium activity, eight were identified as particularly potent, exhibiting greater than 90% inhibition of the growth of Mtb at a concentration of 12.5 r/mL.

[0033] The preferred compounds of this invention, which exhibited greater than 90% inhibition of the growth Mtb at a concentration of 12.5/mL, were chalcone-like compounds (heterocyclic ring substituted 2-propen-1-one) 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-2-propen-1-one (53) (98%), 1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenanthren-9-yl-2-prop en-1-one (54) (97%), 1-(5-pyridin-2-yl)-3-(phenanthen-9-yl)-2-propen-1-one (55) (96%), and 1-(furan-2-yl)-3-phenyl-2-propen-1-one (56) (96%); chalcones 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-propen-1-one (24) (90%) and 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-iodophenyl)-2-propen-1-one (40) (92%); and biflavonoids 6-6″-biapigenin hexamethylether (151) (96%), and volkensiflavone hexamethylether (3-8″-naringenylapigenin hexamethylether) (152) (95%). The actual minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), defined as the lowest concentration inhibiting 99% of the inoculum, for 53, 54, 55, 56, 24, 40, and 151 were 6.8, 19.2, 20.2, 31.5, 48.3, >35.7 and >20.1 ΠM, respectively. See Tables 1-5.

[0034] The compounds and compositions of the present invention can be used to treat or prevent mycobacterium infections. Representative mycobacterial organisms include Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), Mycobacterium kansaii, Mycobacterium marinum, Mycobacterium phlei, Mycobacterium ulcerans, Mycobacterium xenopi, Mycobacterium gordonae, Mycobacterium terrae complex, Mycobacterium haemophilum, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium laprae, Mycobacterium scrofulaceum and Mycobacterium smegmatis. In practicing this invention, the compounds and compositions are particularly useful in treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections.

[0035] The compounds of the invention may be formulated as a solution of lyophilized powders for parenteral administration. Powders may be reconstituted by addition of a suitable diluent or other pharmaceutically acceptable carrier prior to use. The liquid formulation is generally a buffered, isotonic, aqeuous solution. Examples of suitable diluents are normal isotonic saline solution, standard 5% dextrose in water or in buffered sodium or ammonium acetate solution. Such formulation is especially suitable for parenteral administration, but may also be used for oral administration. It may be desirable to add excipients such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, gelatin, hydroxy cellulose, acacia, polyethylene glycol, mannitol, sodium choride or sodium citrate.

[0036] Alternatively, the compounds of the present invention may be encapsulated, tableted or prepared in an emulsion (oil-in-water or water-in-oil) syrup for oral administration. Pharmaceutically acceptable solids or liquid carriers, which are generally known in the pharmaceutical formulary arts, may be added to enhance or stabilize the composition, or to facilitate preparation of the composition. Solid carriers include starch (corn or potato), lactose, calcium sulfate dihydrate, terra alba, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate or stearic acid, talc, pectin, acacia, agar, gelatin, maltodextrins and microcrystalline cellulose, or colloidal silicon dioxide. Liquid carriers include syrup, peanut oil, olive oil, corn oil, sesame oil, saline and water. The carrier may also include a sustained release material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or with a wax. The amount of solid carrier varies but, preferably, will be between about 10 mg to about 1 g per dosage unit.

[0037] The dosage ranges for administration of the compound s of the invention are those necessary to produce the desired affect whereby symptoms of infection are ameliorated. For example, as used herein, an anti-mycobacterium effective amount for treating or preventing a mycobacterium infection refers to the amount administered so as to maintain an amount which suppresses or inhibits mycobacterium infection as evidenced by standard assay. The dosage will also be determined by the existence of any adverse side effects that may accompany the compounds. It is always desirable, whenever possible, to keep adverse side effects to a minimum.

[0038] One skilled in the art can easily determine the appropriate dosage, schedule, and method of administration for the exact formulation of the composition being used in order to achieve the desired effective concentration in the individual patient. However, the dosage can vary from between about 0.001 mg/kg/day to about 50 mg/kg/day, but preferably between about 0.01 to about 1.0 mg/kg/day.

[0039] The following examples are illustrative of the invention but does not serve to limit its scope.

[0040] Experimental

[0041] General Experimental Procedures

[0042] Melting points were determined in open glass capillary tubes and are uncorrected.

[0043] 1 H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian XL300 NMR spectrometer in CDCl3, DMSO-d6 or acetone-d6 as specified using TMS as an internal standard. Chemical shifts are expressed in parts per million (r, ppm). IR spectra were recorded using a Midac FT-IR spectrometer, with samples being prepared as KBr pellets, or using a Perkin-Elmer spectrum 1000 FT-IR. Mass spectral data were recorded using a Finnegan MAT 90 mass spectrometer. Analytical thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out on precoated plates (silica gel F254 from EM Science). Column chromatography was performed with silica gel 60 (70-230 mesh from EM Science). The structures of compounds were confirmed by their TLC profiles as well as their IR, NMR and MS spectra.

EXAMPLE 1

Chalcones

[0044] (1,3-Diaryl-2-propen-1-ones) and Chalcone-Like Compounds (1,3-Diheterocyclic ring substituted 2-Propen-1-ones): Chalcones and chalcone-like compounds were prepared by base-catalyzed condensation of appropriately substituted ketones with substituted benzaldehydes or heterocylic aldehydes (Scheme 1). To the mixture of the substituted acetophenone and substituted benzaldehyde in alcohol was added a 60% solution of potassium hydroxide dropwise with stirring. The reaction mixture was kept at 0° C. for 2 days, then diluted with water and acidified with acetic acid. The precipitated chalcone was collected and recrystalized from alcohol to yield pure chalcone.15,166

[0045] 3-Chloro-2′-hydroxychalcone (24). M.p. 108-108.5 θC, APCIMS m/z 257.3 [M-H]+ (relative intensity 100%), 259.2 [M−H+2]+ (isotope) (58%); IR (KBr) cm−1: 3091, 3060, 3017 (aromatic CH, ═C—H), 3010-2800 (br, —O—H), 1647 (chalcone C═O), 1582, 1492 (arom.); 1H-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(ppm): 12.710 (1H, s, OH-2′), 7.923 (1H, dd, J=8.1 Hz, 1.5 Hz, H-6′), 7.846 (1H, d, J=15.6 Hz, H-E), 7.657 (1H, d, J=1.5 Hz, H-2), 7.651 (1H, d, J=15.6 Hz, H-Δ), 7.552-7.749 (2H, m, H-5′,6), 7.45-7.35 (2H, m, H-4,5), 7.043 (1H, dd, J=8.1 Hz, 1.2 Hz, H-3′), and 6.967 (1H, ddd, J=8.1 Hz, 6.9 Hz, 1.2 Hz, H-4′); 13C-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(Ppm): 193.598 (>C═O), 163,792 (═C<), 143.783 (═CH—), 136.756 (═CH—), 136.521 (═C<), 135.165 (═C<), 130.784 (═CH—), 130.382 (═CH—), 129.760 (═CH—), 128.106 (═CH—), 127.119 (═CH—), 121.521 (═CH—), 119.956 (═CH—), 119.03 (═C<), and 118.78 (═CH—).

[0046] 3-Iodo-2′-hydroxychalcone (MCR242, 40). APCIMS m/z 349.1 [M−H]+; IR (KBr) cm−1: 3010-2800 (br, —O—H), 1638 (chalcone C═O), 1564, 1485 (arom.); 1H-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(ppm): 12.712 (1H, s, OH-2′), 8.019 (1H, d, J=1.5 Hz, H-2), 7.923 (1H, dd, J=8.1 Hz, 1.5 Hz, H-6), 8.798 (1H, d, J=15.6 Hz, H-E), 7.756 (1H, dd, J=7.5 Hz, 1.5 Hz, H-6), 7.625 (1H, d, J=15.6 Hz, H-Δ), 7.603 (1H, dd, J=7.8 Hz, 1.2 Hz, H-6′), 7.519 (1H, t,d, J=7.8 Hz, 1.2 Hz, H5), 7.179 (1H, t, J=8.4 Hz, H-5′), 7.040 (1H, dd, J=7.2 Hz, 1.2 Hz, H-3′), 6.966 (1H, ddd, J=8.2 Hz, 7.2 Hz, 1.2 Hz, H-4′). 13C-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(ppm): 193.578 (>C═O), 163.818 (>C═), 143.649 (═CH—), 139.665 (═CH—), 137.070 (═CH—), 136.903 (>C═), 136.774 (═CH—), 130.764 (═CH—), 129.816 (═CH—), 128.184 (═CH—), 121.431 (═CH—), 119.982 (>C═), 119.056 (═CH—), 118.805 (═CH—), 94.880 (>C═).

[0047] 1-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-2-propen-1-one (53)32 M.p. 126-127 θC, colorless crystals, APCIMS m/z 228.2 [M+H]+. 1H-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(ppm): 8.866 (1H, d, J=1.8 Hz, H-2), 8.638 (1H, dd, J=4.8 Hz, 1.5 Hz,H-4), 8.0 (2H, ddd, J=9 Hz, 5.4 Hz, 2.1 Hz, H-2′,6′), 7.958 (1H, dt, J=8.1 Hz, 2.1 Hz, H-6), 7.805 (1H, d, J=15.9 Hz, H-E), 7.580 (1H, d, J=15.9 Hz, H-Δ), 7.380 (1H, dd, J=7.8 Hz, 4.8 Hz, H-5), 7.203 (ddd, H=9.0 Hz, 8.1 Hz, 2.1 Hz, H-3′,5′). 13C-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(Ppm): 188.321 (═C<), 167.628 (═C<), 164.236 (═C<), 151.314 (═CH—), 150.061 (═CH—), 141.252 (═CH—), 134.726 (═CH—), 134.180 (═C<), 131.319 (═CH—), 131.198 (═CH—), 130.638 (═C<), 123.867 (═CH—), 123.435 (═CH—), 116.105 (═CH—), 115.817 (═CH—).

[0048] 1-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenanthren-9-yl-2-propen-1-one (54). M.p. 212-213θC, colorless crystals, APCIMS m/z 325.1 [M+H]+. 1H-NMR Γ(Acetone-d6)(ppm): 8.926 (1H, m, H-8), 8.86 (1H, d, J=8.1 Hz, H-5), 8.781 (bs, OH), 8.643 (1H, d, J=15.6 Hz, H-E), 8.478 (1H, s, H-10), 8.360 (1H, m, H-4), 8.09 (1H, dd, J=7.8 Hz, 1.8 Hz, H-1), 7.964 (1H, d, J=15.5 Hz, H-Δ), 7.818-7.643 (6H, m, H-2,3,6,7,2′,6′), 7.442 (1H, t, J=7.8 Hz, H-5′), 7.167 (1H, dt, J=7.2 Hz, H-4′). 13C-NMR Γ(Acetone-d6)(ppm): 190.016 (>C═O), 158.956 (═C<), 140.729 ((═C<), 141.905 (═CH—), 132.465 (═C<), 132.276 (═C<), 132.207 (═C<), 13.1.562 (═C<), 131.373 (═C<), 130.910 (═CH—), 130.432 (═CH—), 128.944 (═CH—), 128.383 (═CH—), 128.163 (═CH—), 128.231 (═CH—), 127.768 (═CH—), 126.425 (═CH—), 125.226 (═CH═), 124.467 (═CH—), 123.799 (═CH—), 121.143 (═CH—), 121.022 (═CH—), and 115.892 (═CH—).

[0049] 1-(Furan-2-yl)-3-phenyl-2-propen-1-one (MCR211, 56).33 M.p. 94-95θC, colorless crystals, APCIMS m/z 199.1 [M+H]+. 1H-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(Ppm): 7.890 (1H, d, J=15.9 Hz, H—), 7.661 (1H, dd, J=1.5 Hz, 0.9 Hz, H-5′). 7.659 (2H, m, H-2,6), 7.46 (1H, d, J=15.6 Hz, H—), 7.421 (3H, m, H-3,4,5), 7.341 (1H, dd, J=3.3 Hz, 0.9 Hz, H-3′), 6.603 (1H, dd, J=3.6 Hz, 1.5 Hz, H-4′). 13C-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(ppm): 178.195 (>C═O), 153.822 (═C<, C-2′), 146.636 (═CH—, C-5′), 144.101 (C—), 134.814 (═C<, C-1), 130.686 (═CH—, C-4), 129.016 (═CH—, C-3,5), 128.607 (═CH—, C-2,6), 121.216 (═CH—, C-4′), 117.566 (═CH—, C—), 112.596 (═CH—, C-3′).

EXAMPLE 2

Flavones

[0050] Flavones were synthesized by treating the corresponding chalcones, prepared by the method described above, with selenium dioxide in amyl alcohol. Thus, 2′-, 3′- and 4′-monohalogenoflavones were prepared as usual by condensation of hydroxyacetophenone with o-, m- and p-halogenobenzaldehydes to provide chalcones. This was followed by cyclization of the chalcones with selenium dioxide in amyl alcohol.17-19 6-Fluoro-, 6-chloro- and 6-bromoflavones and related compounds were prepared from 2-hydroxy-5-halogenoacetophenones.19

EXAMPLE 3

Flavonols

[0051] Flavonols were prepared by treating the corresponding chalcones with a 16% solution of aqueous sodium hydroxide and a 15% solution of hydrogen peroxide (v/v 1:1). The 6-halogenoflavonols were prepared in good yield by cyclization of the corresponding chalcones in cold alkaline hydrogen peroxide.20-21

EXAMPLE 4

Flavanones

[0052] Flavanones were prepared by refluxing the corresponding chalcones with phosphoric acid in alcohol for 2-3 days. Generally, 2-hydroxy-5-halogenoacetophenones condensed smoothly with benzaldehyde or p-anisaldehyde in the presence of alcoholic alkali, giving chalcones, which were cyclized in phosphoric acid to obtain 6-halogenoflavanones.22

[0053] 5-Methoxy-8-bromo-flavanone (MCR264, 133). M.p. 134-165 θC, colorless crystals, APCIMS m/z 333.1 [M]+ (relative intensity 100%), 335.0 [M+2]+ (94%); 1H-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(ppm): 7.656 (1H, d, J=8.7 Hz, H-6), 7.511 (2H, dt, J=7.5 Hz, 1.8 Hz, H-2′,6′), 7.526-7.360 (5H, m, B-ring protons), 6.495 (1H, d, J=9.0 Hz, H-7), 5.572 (1H, m, H-2), 3.030 (2H, m, H-3A and H-3L). 13C-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(ppm): 190.132 (>C═O), 160.211 (═C<), 158.959 (═C<), 138.964 (═CH—), 138.296 (═C<), 128.887 (═CH—), 128.652 (═CH—), 125.844 (═CH—), 112.474 (═C<), 105.326 (═CH—), 102.534 (═C<), 78.034 (═CH—, C-2), 58.353 (—CH3, 5-OCH3), and 45.297 (>CH2, 3-C).

EXAMPLE 5

Biflavonoids

[0054] Naturally occurring biflavanoids amentoflavone, agathisflavone, robustaflavone, hinokflavone, rhusflavanone, succedaneaflavanone, volkensiflavone, morelloflavone and GB-1a were isolated from Rhus succedanea and Garcinia multiflora.23-25 Synthetic C—C linkage biflavonoids were synthesized by Ulman condensation of monohalogenoflavones.17c,29,30 Hexa-O-methyl-8,8″-binaringenin was obtained from acidic cyclization of the corresponding bichalcone, which was prepared by Friedel-Crafts reaction of 2,2′,4,4′,6,6′-hexamethoxybiphenyl with acetic anhydride and anhydrous aluminum chloride in nitrobenzene by refluxing with alcoholic H3PO4 for two weeks.31

[0055] 6,6″-Biapigenin hexamethylether (MCR 408, 151). 6,6″-Biapigenin hexamethylether (151) was synthesized by a three-step synthesis from 4,4′-dibenzyloxy-2,2′,6,6′-tetramethoxybiphenyl, which was prepared from the Ullmann reaction of benzyl 4-iodo-3,5-dimethoxyphenylether.34 Hoesch reaction on 4,4′-dibenzyloxy-2,2′,6′6′-tetramethoxybiphenyl with CH3CN, ZnCl2 and HCl in dry CHCl3-Et2O (1:1) yielded the key product, 4,4′-dihydroxy3,3′-diacetyl-2,2′,6′6′-tetramethoxybiphenyl, followed by treatment with two moles of p-anisaldehyde in the presence of alkali to afford the bichalcone. Oxidative cyclization of the bichalcone with SeO2 in dioxane followed by preparative TLC afforded 6,6″-biapigenin hexamethylether, m.p. 303-304 θC, colorless crystals, APCIMS m/z 623.3 [M+H]+;

[0056] 1 H-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(ppm): 7.862 (4H, d, J=9.3 Hz, H-2′,6′,2′″,6′″), 7.454 (2H, s, H-8, 8″), 7.026 (4H, J=8.4 Hz, H-3′,5′,3′″,5′″), 6.781 (2H, s, H-3,3″), 4.344 (6H, s, 5,5″-OCH3) and 3.899 (12H, s, 7,7″,4′,4′″-OCH3).

[0057] Volkensiflavone hexamethylether (MCR360, 152). Volkensiflavone hexamethylether was prepared from volkensiflavone, which was isolated from the methanol extract of Garcinia muhiflora.28

[0058] Isolation of volkensiflavone: The dried heartwood of Garcinia multiflora (shavings, 3 kg) was extracted with boiling methanol (4 times). The extract was evaporated to yield a brown oily material, which was extracted with toluene to remove oily substances. The insoluble part was extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract yielded a light brown solid (25 g) which was chromatographed on 500 g of silica gel, eluting with toluene-ethyl acetate (1:2) to provide fractions I (4 g), II (0.3 g) and III (1.7 g). Fraction I was further chromatographed on a column of polyamide (nylon 66, 200 g), eluting with 70% aqueous methanol to provide fractions 1a (0.1 g), 1b (0.6 g), 1c (0.35 g) and 1d (0.5 g). Recrystallization of fraction 1d with ethyl acetate/methanol yielded 0.3 g of volkensiflavone as a yellow powder.

[0059] Methylation of volkensiflavone: 200 mg of volkensiflavone was dissolved in 20 mL of dry acetone and 2.5 mL of dimethylsulfate and 2 g of potassium carbonate were added. The solution was refluxed for 4 hr, and then filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and purified by silica gel column chromatography using a mixture of toluene and ethyl acetate in a ratio of 1:2 as the eluting solvent. Fractions containing volkensiflavone hexamethylether were combined and concentrated to leave an ivory solid which was recrystallized from a solvent mixture of chloroform and methanol to obtain volkensiflavone hexamethylether as colorless crystals, 138 mg, m.p. 258-260 θC, EIMS m/z 624 [M]+, IR (KBr) cm−1: 2900, 2950, 2850 (OMe), 1680 (flavanone>CO), 1645 (flavone>CO), 1600, 1580, 1510, 1490 (arom.); 1H-NMR Γ(CDCl3)(ppm): 7.70 (2H, d, J=9 Hz, H-2′″,6′″), 7.13 (2H, J=9 Hz, H-2′,6′), 6.87 (2H, d, J=9 Hz, H-3′″, 5′″), 6.63 (2H, d, J=9 Hz, H-3′,5′), 6.50 (1H, s, H-3″), 6.30 (1H, d, J=2 Hz, H-8), 6.23 (1H, s, H-6″), 6.20 (1H, d, J=2 Hz, H-6), 5.80 (1H, d, J=12 Hz, H-2-H), 4.90 (1H, d, J=12 Hz, H-3), six methoxyl groups at 3.93 (3H, s), 3.87 (3H, s), 3.83 (6H, s), 3.77 (3H, s), 3.67 (3H, s).

EXAMPLE 6

In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-tuberculosis Activity35-38

[0060] The screening was conducted at a drug concentration of 12.5 Πg/mL against Mtb H38Rv in BACTEC 12B medium using a BACTEC 460 radiometric system. The assay procedure was carried out according to the method described previously.39 Compounds were solubilized in dimethylsulfoxide at 1 mg/mL and sterilized by passage through 0.22 Γm PFTE filters. A volume of 50 FL was added to 4 mL BACTEC 12B medium (Becton Dickinson) to achieve a final concentration of 12.5 Πg/mL. Approximately 4×105 colony forming units of M. tuberculosis H37Rv (ATCC 27294) were added and the cultures were incubated at 37 θC. Starting on the second day of incubation, the Growth Index (GI, 1 GI unit=0.0025 dpm 14CO2) was determined daily until the controls (drug-free) achieved a GI of 999. The percent inhibition was calculated as 1—(test sample GI÷control GI)×100. The test compounds and results are summarized in Tables 1-5.

[0061] Among 179 compounds screened, eight compounds, including biflavonoids, chalcones and chalcone-like compounds, demonstrated>90% inhibition against Mtb H37Rv at a drug concentration of 12.5 Πg/mL. Forty-one compounds exhibited activity between 50-89% (80-89%: eight compounds; 70-79%: seven compounds; 60-69%: fourteen compounds; 50-59%: twelve compounds). And seventy-three compounds displayed activity less than 50% (40-49%: fifteen compounds; 30-39%: six compounds; 20-29%: eighteen compounds; 10-19%: sixteen compounds; 1-9%: eighteen compounds). The remaining forty-eight compounds were inactive against Mtb H37RV under the test conditions described above.

[0062] Chalcones (1,3-Diaryl-2-propen-1-ones)

[0063] The results of anti-TB screening of chalcones are displayed in Table 1. Chalcones with a 2-hydroxyl group in the A ring and a 3-iodo or 3-chloro group in the B ring (40 and 24, respectively) demonstrated the strongest activity among this series of compounds (92% and 90% inhibition against Mtb at a drug concentration of 12.5 Πg/mL, respectively). Chalcones without halogen substitution in the molecule exhibited less activity compared to those with a halogen substitution. Introducing a methoxyl group at the 4′-position of compound 40 to derive compound 43 resulted in a dramatic decrease in activity [43 (47%) compared to 40 (92%)].

[0064] The activity of 2′-hydroxychalcone (61% inhibition) was enhanced by introducing a chloro or a methoxyl group at the 4′-position of the A-ring, e.g. compound 25 (89%), and 1 (78%), while a bromo, or a iodo substituent at the 4′-position of the B-ring led to a decrease in activity, e.g. 35 (57%) and 21 (45%). The effect of a substituent at the 4′-position of the A-ring of 2′-hydroxy chalcone for anti-TB activity was Cl [25 (89%)]>OCH3 [1 (78%)]>no substituent [5 (61%)]>Br [35 (57%)]>I [21 (45%)]. The bromo substitution at the 3′-position of the A-ring of 2′-hydroxychalcone slightly increased the activity [32 (79%) vs. 5 (61%)]. The effect of substituent at the 5′-position of the A-ring of 2′-hydroxychalcone was Br [34 (68%)] # phenyl [3 (68%)] # Cl [26 (67%)]>H [5 (61%)]>I [42 (51%)]>NH2[12 (6%)]. The effect of a substitution of a halogen group at a different position of the A-ring of 2′-hydroxychalcone was 4′-[25 (89%)]>5′-[26 (67%)] for chloro substituents, 3′-[32 (79%)]>5′-[34 (68%)]>4′-[35 (57%)] for bromo substituents and 5′-[42 (52%)]>4′-[45 (21%)]>3′-[47 (0%)] for iodo substituents. Introducing an additional substituent on either the A- or B-ring of the above 2′-hydroxychalcones resulted in decreasing or abolishing the activity, e.g. 25 (89%) vs. 28 (57%), 1 (78%) vs. 7 (40%), 34 (68%) vs. 37 (23%) and 38 (8%), 26 (67%) vs. 29 (20%), 35 (57%) vs. 36 (25%) and 38 (12%), 42 (51%) vs. 48 (0%) and 47 (0%) vs. 49 (0%).

[0065] The substitution of a halogen group on the B-ring of 2′-hydroxychalcone led to an increase in the anti-TB activity. Compounds with a halogen substituent at the 3-position demonstrated stronger activity than those with a substituent of a halogen at the 2-position or 4-position, such as 40 (92%), 44 (41%) and 46 (21%) for 3-, 2- and 4-iodo substitution, respectively; 31 (83%) and 33 (70%) for 2- and 4-bromo substitution, respectively; 24 (90%) and 27 (67%) for 3- and 4-chloro substitution, respectively. Introducing an additional substituent, such as a methoxyl, bromo or carboxyl group on the A-ring of 2′-hydroxy-3-iodochalcone (40) led to a dramatic decrease or complete loss of activity, e.g. 43 (47%), 50 (0%) and 51 (0%) for 4′-methoxy-, 5′-carboxyl- and 3′-bromo-2′-hydroxy-3-iodochalcone, respectively.

[0066] Substitution of a 2′-hydroxyl group in 2′-hydroxy-2-iodochalcone [44 (41%)] with an amino group at the 3′-position dramatically increased the activity [41 (88%)].

[0067] Chalcone-Like Compounds (1,3-disubstituted 2-propen-1-ones)

[0068] Chalcone-like compounds demonstrated the most significant anti-TB activity among all the compounds evaluated, including chalcones, flavonoids and biflavonoids. As presented in Table 2, compounds 53, 54, 55, and 56 inhibited 98%, 97%, 96% and 96% growth of Mtb H37Rv at a drug concentration of 12.5 Πg/mL, respectively. The common structural feature of these four compounds is that they all have a heterocyclic ring or a phenyl ring with a hydrophilic group substituent on one side of the molecule, and an aromatic ring, such as phenyl or phenanthrenyl, with or without a hydrophobic substituent on the other side. Additional hydrophylic substituents, such as methoxyl, hydroxyl and amino groups resulted in dramatic decrease or complete loss of activity. From the above results, active compounds resulted from structures having a lipophilic group on one side and a hydrophilic group on the other side of the 2-propen-1-one core template.

[0069] Flavones

[0070] The anti-TB activities of flavones are presented in Table 3. All flavones tested, including carboxylated, halogenated, hydroxylated and methoxylated flavones were only moderately to weakly active or inactive, while halogenated flavones or halogenated flavonols (3-hydroxyflavones) demonstrated moderate activity. Flavones with bromine or chlorine substitution at the 8-position displayed inhibitory activity against Mtb with 66% and 62% growth inhibition at a dose of 12.5 Πg/mL, respectively, while the flavones with a halogen substitution at the 3-position (compound 127), 6-, 7-, or 8-position of ring A (compounds 102, 105, 106, 112, 114, 122, 123 and 124) and 2′, 3′, or 4′-position of ring B (compounds 84, 97, 99, 100, 101, 111 and 121) were weakly active or inactive. Flavonol (3-hydroxyflavone) (92) exhibited weak activity of 38% inhibition. The substitution of a methoxyl group at the 4′-position of flavonol (88) led to a small increase in activity (10% increase compared to 92). Further substitution of a 6-Cl or a 7-F-group on 4′-methoxyflavonol (87 and 85) did not change the activity. However, a substitution of an iodo group at the 7 or 8-position, or a fluoro or a bromo group at the 6-position or a carboxyl group at the 6-position of 4′-methoxyflavonol resulted in significant decreases in, or complete loss of, activity.

[0071] Flavanones

[0072] Eighteen flavanones were evaluated for anti-TB activity. The results are listed in Table 4. 5-Methoxy-8-bromoflavanone (133) demonstrated the most significant activity among these flavanones, with 87% inhibition against Mtb. The substitution of a bromo group on the B-ring demonstrated higher activity than that on the A-ring [3′-bromo-(134), 73%, versus 7-bromo-flavanone (136), 53%].

[0073] Biflavonoids

[0074] The results of anti-TB activity of biflavonoids are presented in Table 5. Methoxylated biflavonoids 6,6″-biapigenin hexamethylether (151), volkensiflavone hexamethylether (152) and GB-1a hexamethylether (153) demonstrated strong inhibitory activity against Mtb with 96%, 95% and 87% growth inhibition at a concentration of 12.5 Πg/mL, respectively. These biflavonoids were composed of two apigenin units through a I6-II6 linkage, one naringenin and one apigenin unit or two narigenin units with thea linkage at the I3-II8 position (3-position of unit I linked to 8-position of unit II) (152 and 153).

[0075] Biflavonoid methylethers constructed with two flavone units or with a flavone and a flavanone unit displayed equal strength of activity (151 and 152). A biflavonoid methylether (153) constructed with two flavanone units demonstrated less activity than that constructed with a flavone and a flavanone (152) (87% versus 95% inhibition), although both compounds have the same linkage structure (I3-II8). Biapigenin hexamethylether with a linkage of I3-II3 (159) was completely devoid of activity. This result indicated that the I6-II6 linkage might be important for the activity. Comparison of the inactive binaringenin hexamethylether constructed by two units of naringenin trimethylether through a linkage (157) to the active compounds 151 and 153, it was 78

[0076] observed that two units of the flavone structure were necessary for the activity of biflavonoids with a I6-II6 linkage and I3-II8 linkage was important for the activity of biflavonoids composed of a flavanone and a flavone unit. Hydroxylated biflavonoids, biflavonoid glucosides or unsubstituted biflavonoids were inactive with the exception that I3′-II8″-biflavone (155) exhibited moderate activity. This result indicated that the lipophilic property of a compound might be important for the activity.

[0077] In conclusion, two chalcone compounds (24 and 40) and four chalone like compounds (heterocyclic ring substituted 2-propen-1-ones) (53, 54, 55 and 56) exhibited greater than 90 percent inhibition against Mtb. The common structural features of these six compounds are that all the compounds have two aromatic rings, one ring substituted with a heteroatom and the other with or without hydrophobic substitutions. Introduction of extra hydrophilic substituents such as methoxyl, hydroxyl and amino groups would render the compounds less active. With the exception of compound 53, the other five compounds all have a hydrogen-bonding group substituted on the A-ring, while the B-ring remained hydrophobic. Structural superposition analysis indicateed that compound 53 can actually be superimposed on the other five compounds the other way. For example, compound 53 can superimpose its A-ring with the B-ring of compound 56, while keeping its B ring superimposed with the A ring of compound 56 (Scheme 2).

[0078] Flavones and flavanones can be viewed as geometrically constrained chalcone analogues. It may indeed be due to these structural constraints that they are less active compared to chalcones. Some examples illustrate the relationship of activity between a chalcone and its corresponding flavone, i.e., when a chalcone was converted to its corresponding flavone, the anti-TB activity decreased. Examples of this include compound 44 being converted to compound 100 in which activity decreased from 41% to 22%; 44 to 100, 41% to 22%; 31 to 99, 83% to 23%; 33 to 97, 70% to 26%, 24 to 121, 90% to 0%; and 27 to 111, 67% to 7%. The only exception to this pattern was compound 46 being converted to compound 84 (21% to 51%).

[0079] Compared to flavanones, flavones are less active, and are structurally more restricted, with the two terminal aromatic rings in the same plane. The structures of the biflavonoids are apparently different from that of chalcone and flavanoid monomers. The two active biflavonoids have only methoxyl substitutions (a methoxyl group is not a good hydrogen bonding group), while the chalcone and chalcone-like compounds prefer a hydroxyl or other hydrogen bonding group. Without being bound by any theory of operation for this invention, most probably, the biflavonoids kill Mtb by a different mechanism.

TABLE 1
Anti-tuberculosis Activity of Chalcones
9
			Activity
	A- ring	B- ring	% inhibition
Compds	2′-	3′-	4′-	5′-	6′-	2-	3-	4-	5-	at 12.5 πg/mL
1 MCR206	OH		OCH3							78
2 MCR202	OH				OCH3			OCH3		75
3 MCR251	OH			phenyl						68
4 MCR388			NO2					OCH3		62
5 MCR201	OH									61
6 MCR222		OH					OCH2−	O−		53
7 MCR205	OH		OCH3		OCH3			OCH3		40
8 MCR208	OH					OCH3				39
9 MCR209	OH		OCH3					OCH3		32
10 MCR210	OH						OH			18
11 MCR255	OH						NH2			11
12 MCR256	OH			NH2						6
13 MCR385			NH2							5
14 MCR203	OH		EtO		EtO					0
15 MCR207	OH		OCH3		OH		OCH3	OCH3	OCH3	0
16 MCR250	OH			COOH				OCH3		0
17 MCR253	OH						NHCOCH3			0
20 MCR216	F							OCH3		82
21 MCR214	OH				F			OCH3		66
22 MCR217	OH		F					OCH3		63
23 MCR215	OH	F						OCH3		45
24 MCR224	OH						Cl			90
25 MCR226	OH		Cl							89
26 MCR228	OH			Cl						67
27 MCR223	OH							Cl		67
28 MCR225	OH		Cl					OCH3		57
29 MCR227	OH			Cl				OCH3		20
30 MCR343		OH						Cl		NA
31 MCR234	OH					Br				83
32 MCR235	OH	Br								79
33 MCR230	OH							Br		70
34 MCR233	OH			Br						68
35 MCR232	OH		Br							57
36 MCR236	OH		Br					OCH3		25
37 MCR237	OH			Br				OCH3		23
38 MCR345	OH		Br			NH2				12
39 MCR346	OH			Br		NH2				8
40 MCR242	OH						I			92
41 MCR347		NH2				I				88
42 MCR218	OH			I						51
43 MCR246	OH		OCH3				I			47
44 MCR244	OH					I				41
45 MCR240	OH		I							21
46 MCR245	OH							I		21
47 MCR239	OH	I								0
48 MCR243	OH			I				OCH3		0
49 MCR248	OH	I						OCH3		0
50 MCR238	OH			COOH			I			0
*-not tested

[0080]

TABLE 2
Anti-Tuberculosis Activity of Chalcone-like Compounds
10
			Activity
			% inhibition
Com-			at 12.5
pounds	R	R′	πg/mL
53	4-fluorophenyl-	pyridin-3-yl-	98
MCR340
54	3-hydroxyphenyl-	phenanthren-9-yl-	97
MCR349
55	pyridin-3-yl-	phenanthren-9-yl-	96
MCR350
56	furan-2-yl-	phenyl-	96
MCR211
57	phenanthren-2-yl-	2-amino-	74
MCR383		pyridino-3-yl-
59	3-fluorenyl-	2-amino-	53
MCR382		pyridino-3-yl-
60	pyridin-2-yl-	pyridin-2-yl-	42
MCR390
61	naphthalen-1-yl-	phenyl-	37
MCR252
62	pyridin-2-yl-	4-dimethyl-	16
MCR391		aminophenyl-
63	4-bromo-2-hydroxy-	furan-2-yl-	17
MCR221	phenyl-
64	pyridin-2-yl-	indol-2-yl-	12
MCR348
65	2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-	furan-2-yl-	3
MCR212	phenyl-
66	4-aminophenyl-	2-amino-	7
MCR379		pyridin-3-yl-
68	pyridin-4-yl-	4-dimethyl-	1
MCR392		aminophenyl-
69	2-hydroxy-5-methoxy-	furan-2-yl-	0
MCR213	phenyl-
70	4-methoxyphenyl-	pyridin-4-yl-	0
MCR338
71	4-methoxyphenyl-	pyridin-3-yl-	0
MCR339
72	2-hydroxy-5-chloro-	2-amino-	0
MCR341	phenyl-	pyridin-3-yl-
73	4-aminophenyl-	2-amino-	0
MCR380		pyridin-3-yl-
74	3-hydroxy-	2-amino-	0
MCR381	naphthalen-2-yl-	pyridin-3-yl-
75	furan-2-yl-	pyridin-4-yl-	0
MCR386
76	pyridin-2-yl-	4-methoxyphenyl-	0
MCR389
11
12
13
14

[0081]

TABLE 3
Anti-tuberculosis Activity of Flavones
15
										Activity
										% Inhibition
Compds	3	5	6	7	8	2′	3′	4′	5′	at 12.5 πg/mL
77 MCR293					Br					66
78 MCR288					Cl					62
79 MCR329	OH		I							64
80 MCR322	OH						Br			60
81 MCR317	OH			Cl						58
82 MCR319	OH		Br							58
84 MCR303								I		51
85 MCR312	OH			F				OCH3		50
86 MCR314	OAc			F				OCH3		50
87 MCR316	OH		Cl					OCH3		48
88 MCR332	OH							OCH3		48
89 MCR323	OCH3		Br							44
90 MCR315	OH				F					43
91 MCR328	OH			I				OCH3		43
92 MCR309	OH									38
93 MCR275								OCH3		29
94 MCR311	OH		F					OCH3		29
95 MCR306							NO2	Cl		28
96 MCR324	Br							OCH3		28
97 MCR290								Br		26
98 MCR320	OH		Br					OCH3		24
99 MCR289						Br				23
100 MCR295						I				22
101 MCR304							I			22
102 MCR297				I						20
103 MCR298	Br			OCH3				Cl		19
104 MCR276								OH		18
105 MCR283				F						15
106 MCR292				Br						15
107 MCR305			I					OCH3		15
108 MCR294	Br									13
109 MCR277		OCH3		OCH3				OCH3		12
110 MCR308	benzoyl			benzoyl						12
111 MCR284								Cl		7
112 MCR282			F							7
113 MCR330	OH				I			OCH3		6
114 MCR296					I					5
115 MCR307			COOH					OCH3		2
116 MCR278						OH				1
117 MCR274				OCH3						0
118 MCR280				F				OCH3		0
119 MCR279				OCH3				OCH3		0
120 MCR281			F					OCH3		0
121 MCR285							Cl			0
122 MCR287				Cl						0
123 MCR291			Br							0
124 MCR298			I							0
125 MCR299		OCH3		OCH3	I			OCH3		0
126 MCR299		OCH3		OCH3			I	OCH3		0
127 MCR301	I									0
128 MCR302				I				OCH3		0
130 MCR331	OH		COOH					OCH3		0
131 MCR394	Br	OCH3		OCH3				OCH3		0
132 MCR273		OCH3		OCH3				OH		0

[0082]

TABLE 4
Anti-tuberculosis Activity of Flavanones
16
									Activity
									% Inhibition
Compounds	3	5	6	7	8	3′	4′	5′	at 12.5 πg/mL
133 MCR264		OCH3			Br				87
134 MCR266						Br			73
135 MCR333	OH					Cl			63
136 MCR263				Br					53
137 MCR261				OCH3			Cl		48
138 MCR260			Cl						30
139 MCR267			I						27
140 MCR265	Br2	OCH3		OCH3		OCH3	OCH3	OCH3	16
141 MCR268				I					9
142 MCR262			Br						8
143 MCR259				F					7
144 MCR258		OCH3		OCH3		OCH3	OCH3	OCH3	0
145 MCR271			COOH				OCH3		0
146 MCR270			COOH						0
147 MCR272				OCH3		NO2			0
148 MCR335	Br2								0
149 MCR269				I			OCH3		0

[0083]

TABLE 5
Anti-tuberculosis Activity of Biflavonoids
				Activity
				% Inhibition
Compds	Name	units	Linkage	at 12.5 Πg/mL
151 MCR 408	6-6″-Biagpigenin hexamethyleher	Apigenin trimethylether (5,7,4′-	I-6-II-6	96
		trimethoxy-flavone) (I)
		Apigenin trimethylether (II)
152 MCR 360	Volkensiflavone hexamethylether	Naringenin triamethylether (5,7,4′-	I-3-II-8	95
		trimethoxy-flavanone) (I)
		Apigenin trimethyl ether (II)
153 MCR 367	GB-1a hexamethylether	Naringenin triamethylether (I)	I-3-II-8	87
		Naringenin trimethyl ether (II)
154 MCR 398	3″′-Nitro-C3-O-C4″′-Biflavone	Flavone (I)	I3′-O-II4′	61
		3′-Nitroflavone (II)
155 MCR 406	3′-8″-Biflavone	Flavone (I)	I-3′-II-8	49
		Flavone (II)
156 MCR 400	6-2″′-Biflavone	Flavone (I)	I-6-II-2′	9
		Flavone (II)
157 MCR 407	6-6″-Binaringenin hexamethylether	Naringenin trimethylether (I)	I-6-II-6	2
		Naringenin trimethylether (II)
158 MCR 401	6-2″′-Biapigenin	Apigenin (I)	I-6-II-2′	1
		Apigenin (II)
159 MCR 403	3-3″-Biapigenin hexamethlether	Apigenin trimethylether(I)	I-3-II-3	0
		Apigenin trimethylether (II)
160 MCR402	3-3″-Bi-(7-methoxyflavanone)	7-Methoxyflavanone (I)	I-3-II-3	0
		7-Methoxyflavanone (II)
161 MCR 399	8-2″′-Biflavone	Flavone (I)	I-8-II-2′	0
		Flavone (II)
162 MCR 404	7-3″′-Biflavone	Flavone (I)	I-7-II-3′	0
		Flavone (II)
163 MCR 405	4′-4″′-Biflavone	Flavone (I)	I-4′-II-4′	—
		Flavone (II)
164 MCR 351	Amentoflavone	Apigenin (I)	I-3′-II-8	0
		Apigenin(II)
165 MCR 352	Agathisflavone	Apigenin (I)	I-6-II-8	0
		APigenin(II)
166 MCR 353	Robustaflavone	Apigenin (I)	I-3′-II-6	0
		APigenin(II)
167 MCR 354	Hinokiflavone	Apigenin (I)	I-4′-O-II-6	0
		APigenin(II)
168 MCR 355	Rhusflavanone	Naringenin (I)	I-6-II-8	0
		Naringenin (II)
169 MCR 357	Succedaneaflavanone	Naringenin (I)	I-6-II-6	0
		Naringenin (II)
170 MCR 359	Volkensiflavone	Naringenin (I)	I-3-II-8	0
		Apigenin (II)
171 MCR 363	Morelloflavone	Naringenin (I)	I-3-II-8	0
		Luteolin
		(3′,4′,5,7,-tetrahydroxyflavone) (II)
172 MCR 369	GB-2a	Naringenin (I)	I-3-II-8	0
		Eriodictyol
		(3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavanone) (II)
173 MCR 356	Rhusflavanone hexaacetate	Naringenin triacetate ((I)	I-6-II-8	0
		Naringenin triacetate (II)
174 MCR 358	Succedaneaflavanone hexaacetate	Naringenin triacetate ((I)	I-6-II-6	0
		Naringenin triacetate (II)
175 MCR 364	Morelloflavone heptaacetate	Naringenin triacetate (I)	I-3-II-8	0
		Luteolin tetraacetate
		(3′,4′,5,7-tetraacetoxyflavone) (II)
176 MCR 361	Spicataside	Naringenin (I)	I-3-II-8	0
	(Volkensiflavone-7-glucoside)	Apigenin-7-glucoside (II)
177 MCR 362	Spicataside acetate	Naringenin triacetate (I)	I-3-II-8	0
		Apigenin-7-glucoside acetate (II)
178 MCR 368	Multifloraside	Naringenin (I)	I-3-II-8	0
	(GB-1a glucoside)	Naringenin-7-glucoside (II)
179 MCR 370	Xanthochymuside	Naringenin (I)	I-3-II-8	0
	(GB-2a Glucoside)	Eriodictyol-7-glucoside (II)

LITERATURE CITED

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[0091] 8. Bernstein, J., Lott, W. A., Steinberg, B. A., Yale, H. L. Chemotherapy of Experimental Tuberculosis V. Isonicotinic Acid hydrazide (Nydrazid) and Related Compounds, Am. Rev. Tuberc. 1952, 65, 357.

[0092] 9. Fix, H. H. Science, 1952, 116, 129.

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[0101] b. Chen, F. C., Hsu, K. K., Synthesis of Halogenoflavonoids II. Synthesis of 2′,3′,4′-Chloro-flavanone and -flavone. J Formosan Sci. 1953, 7, 54-56.

[0102] c. Chen, F. C., Lai, P. C., Hsieh, H. C., Synthesis of Halogenoflavonoids III. Synthesis of 2′-, 3′-, 4′-, 6-Bromoflavanones and 6-Bromo-flavones. J Formosan Sci. 1953, 7, 57-62.

[0103] d. Chen, F. C., Lin, C., Lai, S. C., Synthesis of Halogenoflavonoids IV. Synthesis of 2′-,3′-, 4′-Iodoflavanone and Corresponding Chalcones. J Formosan Sci. 1953, 7, 63-65.

[0104] 18. Chen, F. C., Lin, C., Tu, T. T., Synthesis of Halogenoflavonoids VII. Synthesis of 2-, 3- and 4-Fluoro-2′-Oxychalcone. J Formosan Sci. 1954, 8, 71-73. 19. Chang, C. T., Chen, F. C., Chen, T. S., Hsu, K. K., Ueng, T., Hung, M. Synthesis of 6-Halogenoflavones and Relaated Compounds. J. Chem. Soc. 1961, 3414.

[0105] 20. Chen, F. C., Chang, C. T., Synthesis of Halogenoflavonoids VIII. Synthesis of 6-Iodoflavonol, Its corresponding Chalcone and 2-Oxy-5-Iodoacetophenone. J Formosan Sci. 1954, 8, 74-75.

[0106] 21. Chen, F. C., Hsu, K. K. J Taiwan Pharm. Assoc., 1953, 5, 49.

[0107] 22. Chen, F. C., Chang, C. T. Synthesis of 7-halogenoflavone and related compounds. J. Chem. Soc. 1958, 146-150.

[0108] 23. Lin, Y. M., Chen, F. C., Liang, C. M. Biflavonyls from drupes of Rhus succedanea. Phytochemistry 1974, 12, 276-277.

[0109] 24. Lin, Y. M., Chen, F. C. Agathisflavone from drupes of Rhus succedanea. Phytochemistry 1974, 13, 657-658.

[0110] 25. Lin, Y. M., Chen, F. C. Robustaflavone from the seed of kernels of Rhus succedanea. Phytochemistry 1974, 13, 1617-1619.

[0111] 26. Chen, F. C., Lin, Y. M. Rhusflavanone, a new biflavanone from the seeds of wax tree. J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 1976, 198-101.

[0112] 27. Chen, F. C., Lin, Y. M. Succedaneaflavone, A new 6,6′-biflavanone from Rhus succedanea. Phytochemistry 1975, 14, 1644-1647.

[0113] 28. Chen, F. C., Lin, Y. M., Hung, J. G. Phenolic compounds from the heartwood of Garcinia multiflora. Phytochemistry 1975, 14, 300-303.

[0114] 29. Chen, F. C., Chang, C. T., Hong, M., Lin, Y. C., Choong, S. T. Proc. Chem. Soc. 1959,

[0115] 30. Chen, F. C. Studies in the Synthesis of Biflavonyls. Symposium on Phytochemistry, Hong-Kong 1961, pp.166-168.

[0116] 31. Chen, F. C., Lin, Y. M., Ho, T. I., Ueng, T. Synthesis of Hexa-O-Methyl-8,8″-Binaringenin. Heterocycles, 1975, 3, 833-836.

[0117] 32. Chen, F. C., Chen, Y. H. Chen, C. Y. Synthesis of Azachalcones and Analogs. J Formosan Sci. 1972, 26, 52.

[0118] 33. Chen, F. C., Chen, Y. H. Chen, L. S. Synthesis of 2-Furylacrylophenones and Analogs. J Formosan Sci. 1972, 26, 50.

[0119] 34. Chen, F. C, Lin, Y. M., Shue, Y. K., Ueng, T. Synthesis of Hexa-O-Methyl-6,6″-Binaringenin and -Biapigenin, Heterocycles, 1975, 3, 529-532.

[0120] 35. Inderleid, C. B., Nash, K. A. Antibiotics in Laboratory Medicine. 4th ed. (Ed: Lorian, V 1996) Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, p.127-175.

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[0124] 39. Collins, L. S., Franzblau, S. G. Microplate Alamar Blue assay versus BACTEC 460 system for high throughput screening of compounds against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium. Antimicrob. Agents and Chemother. 1997, 41:1004-1009.

Claims

1. A composition for treating or preventing a mycobacterium infection comprising an effective anti-mycobacterium effective amount of a compound of formula i:

2. The composition of claim 1 wherein, R1=OH, R5, R2=R4=R6=R7=R8=R9=H.

3. The composition of claim 2 wherein R3 comprises OCH3, Cl, Br or I.

4. The composition of claim 1 wherein, R1=OH, R2=R3=R4=R6=R7=R9=H and R8=OCH3.

5. The composition of claim 4 wherein R5 comprises OCH3 or F.

6. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=OH; R5=R3=R2=R6=R7=R8=R9=H.

7. The composition of claim 6 wherein R4 comprises phenyl, NH2, Cl, Br or I.

8. The composition of claim 1 wherein R5=R2=R4=R1=R6=R7=R9=H; R3=NO2; and R8=OCH3.

9. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=OH; R5=R2=R3=R4=R6=R8=R9=H.

10. The composition of claim 9 wherein R7 comprises H, OH, NH2, Cl or I.

11. The composition of claim 1 wherein, R1=R4=R3=R5=R6=R9=H; R2=OH; R7=OCH2−; and R8=0.

12. The composition of claim 1 wherein, R1=OH; R2=R4=R6=R7=R9=H; R3=R8=OCH3.

13. The composition of claim 12 wherein R5 comprises OCH3 or H.

14. The composition of claim 1 wherein, R1=OH; R5=R2=R3=R4=R7=R8=R9=H.

15. The composition of claim 14 wherein R6 comprises OCH3, Br or I.

16. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=R8=R9=H; and R3=NH2.

17. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=OH; R5=R3=R2=R6=R7=R9=H; and R8=OCH3.

18. The composition of claim 17 wherein R4 comprises Cl or Br.

19. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=OH; and R5=R2=R3=R4=R6=R7=R9=H.

20. The composition of claim 19 wherein R8 comprises OCH3, Cl, Br or I.

21. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=F; R5=R2=R3=R4=R6=R7=R9=H; and R8=OCH3.

22. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=OH; R5=R2=R4=R6=R7=R9=H; and R8=OCH3.

23. The composition of claim 22 wherein R3 comprises F, Cl or Br.

24. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=OH; R2=F; R5=R4=R3=R6=R7=R9=H; and R8=OCH3.

25. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=OH; R2=Br; and R5=R4=R3=R6=R7=R8=R9=H.

26. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=OH; R5=R2=R4=R7=R8=R9=H; R3=Br; and R6=NH2.

27. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=OH; R5=R3=R2=R7=R8=R9=H; R4=Br; and R6=NH2.

28. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=R4=R3=R5=R7=R8=R9=H; R2=NH2; and R6=I.

29. The composition of claim 1 wherein R1=OH; R5=R2=R4=R6=R8=R9=H; R3=OCH3; and R7=I.

30. A method for preventing or treating a mycobacterium infection in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of anti-mycobacterium prevention or treatment an effective anti-mycobacterium amount of at least one compound of formula i:

31. The method of claim 30 wherein, R1=OH, R5=R2=R4=R6=R7=R8=R9=H.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein R3 comprises OCH3, Cl, Br or I.

33. The method of claim 30 wherein, R1=OH, R2=R3=R4=R6=R7=R9=H and R8=OCH3.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein R5 comprises OCH3 or F.

35. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=OH; R5=R3=R2=R6=R7=R8=R9=H.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein R4 comprises phenyl, NH2, Cl, Br or I.

37. The method of claim 30 wherein R5=R2=R4=R6=R7=R9=H; R3=NO2; and R8=OCH3.

38. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=OH; R5=R2=R3=R4=R6=R8=R9=H.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein R7 comprises H, OH, NH2, Cl or I.

40. The method of claim 30 wherein, R1=R4=R3=R5=R6=R9=H; R2=OH; R7=OCH2−; and R8=O−.

41. The method of claim 30 wherein, R1=OH; R2=R4=R6=R7=R9=H; R3=R8=OCH3.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein R5 comprises OCH3 or H.

43. The method of claim 30 wherein, R1=OH; R5=R2=R3=R4=R7=R8=R9=H.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein R6 comprises OCH3, Br or I.

45. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=R8=R9=H; and R3=NH2.

46. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=OH; R5=R3=R2=R6=R7=R9=H; and R8=OCH3.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein R4 comprises Cl or Br.

48. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=OH; and R5=R2=R3=R4=R6=R7=R9=H.

49. The method of claim 48 wherein R8 comprises OCH3, Cl, Br or I.

50. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=F; R5=R2=R3=R4=R6=R7=R9=H; and R8=OCH3.

51. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=OH; R5=R2=R4=R6=R7=R9=H; and R8=OCH3.

52. The method of claim 51 wherein R3 comprises F, Cl or Br.

53. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=OH; R2=F; R5=R4=R3=R6=R7=R9=H; and R8=OCH3.

54. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=OH; R2=Br; and R5=R4=R3=R6=R7=R8=R9=H.

55. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=OH; R5=R2=R4=R7=R8=R9=H; R3=Br; and R6=NH2.

56. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=OH; R5=R3=R2=R7=R8=R9=H; R4=Br; and R6=NH2.

57. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=R4=R3=R5=R7=R8=R9=H; R2=NH2; and R6=I.

58. The method of claim 30 wherein R1=OH; R5=R2=R4=R6=R8=R9=H; R3=OCH3; and R7=I.

59. A composition for treating or preventing a mycobacterium infection comprising an effective anti-mycobacterium effective amount of a compound of formula ii:

60. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=4-fluorophenyl- and R2=pyridin-3-yl-.

61. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=3-hydroxyphenyl- and R2=phenanthren-9-yl-.

62. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=pyridin-3-yl- and R2=phenanthren-9-yl-.

63. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=furan-2-yl- and R2=phenyl-.

64. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=phenanthren-2-yl- and R2=2-aminopyridino-3-yl-.

65. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=3-fluorenyl- and R2=2-aminopyridino-3-yl-.

66. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=pyridin-2-yl- and R2=pyridin-2-yl-.

67. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=naphthalen-1-yl- and R2=phenyl-.

68. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=pyridin-2-yl- and R2=4-dimethylaminophenyl-.

69. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=4-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl- and R2=furan-2-yl-.

70. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=pyridin-4-yl- and R2=indol-2-yl-.

71. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl- and R2=furan-2-yl-.

72. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=4-aminophenyl- and R2=2-aminopyridin-3-yl-.

73. The composition of claim 59 wherein R1=pyridin-4-yl- and R2=4-dimethylaminophenyl-.

74. A method for preventing or treating a mycobacterium infection in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of anti-mycobacterium prevention or treatment an effective anti-mycobacterium amount of at least one compound of formula ii:

75. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=4-fluorophenyl- and R2=pyridin-3-yl-.

76. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=3-hydroxyphenyl- and R2=phenanthren-9-yl-.

77. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=pyridin-3-yl- and R2=phenanthren-9-yl-.

78. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=furan-2-yl- and R2=phenyl-.

79. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=phenanthren-2-yl- and R2=2-aminopyridino-3-yl-.

80. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=3-fluorenyl- and R2=2-aminopyridino-3-yl-.

81. The method of claim 74 wherein R1 pyridin-2-yl- and R2 pyridin-2-yl-.

82. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=naphthalen-1-yl- and R2=phenyl-.

83. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=pyridin-2-yl- and R2=4-dimethylaminophenyl-.

84. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=4-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl- and R2=furan-2-yl-.

85. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=pyridin-4-yl- and R2=indol-2-yl-.

86. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl- and R2 furan-2-yl-.

87. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=4-aminophenyl- and R2=2-aminopyridin-3-yl-.

88. The method of claim 74 wherein R1=pyridin-4-yl- and R2=4-dimethylaminophenyl-.

89. A composition for treating or preventing a mycobacterium infection comprising an effective anti-mycobacterium effective amount of a compound of formula iii:

90. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=R2, R3=R4=R6=R7=R8=H.

91. The composition of claim 90 wherein R5 comprises Br, Cl or I.

92. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=OH; R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=R8=H.

93. The composition of claim 92 wherein R3 comprises Br or I.

94. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=R8=H; and R7=Br.

95. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=R8=H; and R4=Cl.

96. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=R7=H.

97. The composition of claim 96 wherein R8 comprises I, OCH3, Br, OH or Cl.

98. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=H; and R8=OCH3.

99. The composition of claim 98 wherein R4 comprises F or I.

100. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=OAc; R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=H; R4=F; and R8=OCH3.

101. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=OH; R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=H; and R8=OCH3.

102. The composition of claim 101 wherein R3 comprises F, Cl or Br.

103. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=R7=H.

104. The composition of claim 103 wherein R8 comprises H or OCH3.

105. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=OCH3; R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=R8=H; and R3=Br.

106. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R4=R6=R7=R8=H; and R5=F.

107. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=H; R7=NO2; and R8=Cl.

108. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=Br; R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=R7=H.

109. The composition of claim 108 wherein R8 comprises H of OCH3.

110. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=R2=R3=R4=R5=R7, R8=H.

111. The composition of claim 110 wherein R6 comprises Br, I or OH.

112. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=R8=H; and R7=I.

113. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=R8=H.

114. The composition of claim 113 wherein R4 comprises I, F or Br.

115. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=R3=R5=R6=R7=H; and R2=R4=R8=OCH3.

116. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=Br; R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=H; R4=OCH3; and R8=Cl.

117. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=H; and R8=OCH3.

118. The composition of claim 117 wherein R3 comprises I or COOH.

119. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=R4=benzoyl; R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=R8=H.

120. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=R8=H; and R3=F.

121. The composition of claim 89 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R4=R6=R7=H; R5=I; and R8=OCH3.

122. A method for preventing or treating a mycobacterium infection in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of anti-mycobacterium prevention or treatment an effective anti-mycobacterium amount of at least one compound of formula iii:

123. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=R2=R3=R4=R6=R7=R8=H.

124. The method of claim 123 wherein R5 comprises Br, Cl or I.

125. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=OH; R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=R8=H.

126. The method of claim 125 wherein R3 comprises Br or I.

127. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=R8=H; and R7=Br.

128. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=R8=H; and R4=Cl.

129. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=R7=H.

130. The method of claim 129 wherein R8 comprises I, OCH3, Br, OH or Cl.

131. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=H; and R8=OCH3.

132. The method of claim 131 wherein R4 comprises F or I.

133. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=OAc; R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=H; R4=F; and R8=OCH3.

134. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=OH; R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=H; and R8=OCH3.

135. The method of claim 134 wherein R3 comprises F, Cl or Br.

136. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=R7=H.

137. The method of claim 136 wherein R8 comprises H or OCH3.

138. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=OCH3; R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=R8=H; and R3=Br.

139. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R4=R6=R7=R8=H; and R5=F.

140. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=H; R7=NO2; and R8=Cl.

141. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=Br; R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=R7=H.

142. The method of claim 141 wherein R8 comprises H of OCH3.

143. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=R2=R3=R4=R5=R7=R8=H.

144. The method of claim 143 wherein R6 comprises Br, I or OH.

145. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=R2=R3=R4=R5=R6=R8=H; and R7=I.

146. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=R8=H.

147. The method of claim 146 wherein R4 comprises I, F or Br.

148. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=R3=R5=R6=R7=H; and R2=R4=R8=OCH3.

149. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=Br; R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=H; R4=OCH3; and R8=Cl.

150. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=H; and R8=OCH3.

151. The method of claim 150 wherein R3 comprises I or COOH.

152. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=R4=benzoyl; R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=R8=H.

153. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=R2=R4=R5=R6=R7, R8=H; and R3=F.

154. The method of claim 122 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R4=R6=R7=H; R5=I; and R8=OCH3.

155. A composition for treating or preventing a mycobacterium infection comprising an effective anti-mycobacterium effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of 6-6″-biagpigenin hexamethylether, volkensiflavone hexamethylether, GB-1a hexamethylether, 3′″-nitro-C3-O-C4′″-biflavone, 3′-8″-biflavone, 6-2′″-biflavone, 6-6″-binaringenin hexamethylether and 6-2′″-biapigenin; or derivative or salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

156. A method for preventing or treating a mycobacterium infection in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of anti-mycobacterium prevention or treatment an effective anti-mycobacterium amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 6-6″-biagpigenin hexamethylether, volkensiflavone hexamethylether, GB-1a hexamethylether, 3′″-nitro-C3-O-C4′″-biflavone, 3′-8″-biflavone, 6-2′″-biflavone, 6-6″-binaringenin hexamethylether and 6-2′″-biapigenin; or derivative or salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

157. A composition for treating or preventing a mycobacterium infection comprising an effective anti-mycobacterium effective amount of a compound of formula iv:

158. The composition of claim 157 wherein R1=R3=R4=R6=R7=R8=H; R2=OCH3; and R5=Br.

159. The composition of claim 157 wherein R1=R2=R3=R4=R5=R7=R8=H; and R6=Br.

160. The composition of claim 157 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R4=R5=R7=R8; and R6=Cl.

161. The composition of claim 157 wherein R1=R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=R8=H.

162. The composition of claim 161 wherein R comprises Br, I or F.

163. The composition of claim 157 wherein R1=R2=R3=R5=R6=R8=H; R4=OCH3; and R7=Cl.

164. The composition of claim 157 wherein R1=R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=R8=H.

165. The composition of claim 164 wherein R3 comprises Cl, I or Br.

166. The composition of claim 157 wherein R1=Br; R2=R4=R6=R7=R8=OCH3; and R3=R5=H.

167. A method for preventing or treating a mycobacterium infection in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of anti-mycobacterium prevention or treatment an effective anti-mycobacterium amount of at least one compound of formula iv:

168. The method of claim 167 wherein R1=R3=R4=R6=R7=R8=H; R2=OCH3; and R5=Br.

169. The method of claim 167 wherein R1=R2=R3=R4=R5=R7=R8=H; and R6=Br.

170. The method of claim 167 wherein R1=OH; R2=R3=R4=R5=R7=R8; and R6=Cl.

171. The method of claim 167 wherein R1=R2=R3=R5=R6=R7=R8=H.

172. The method of claim 171 wherein R4 comprises Br, I or F.

173. The method of claim 167 wherein R1=R2=R3=R5=R6=R8=H; R4=OCH3; and R7=Cl.

174. The method of claim 167 wherein R1=R2=R4=R5=R6=R7=R8=H.

175. The method of claim 174 wherein R3 comprises Cl, I or Br.

176. The method of claim 167 wherein R1=Br; R2=R4=R6=R7=R8=OCH3; and R3=R5=H.