Docking study and molecular dynamic approach to predicting the activity of 4-(4-methoxy)benzoyloxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid against COX-1 enzyme

Background: Ferulic acid is a phenolic acid compound that has anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombosis activity. However, ferulic acid has the disadvantage of poor absorption. Structural modifications can be made to increase the biological activity of the compound. In this research, the structure of ferulic acid was modified into 4-(4-methoxy)benzoyloxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid. Objective: The purpose of this research is to predict the activity of 4-(4-methoxy)benzoyloxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid. Method: It was carried out using the Pass Online Prediction, Autodock 1.5.7, Discovery Studio and Maestro Schrödinger 2020-1 software. Result: The activity prediction results showed that 4-(4-methoxy)benzoyloxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid had anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic activity. The molecular docking results showed that 4-(4-methoxy)benzoyloxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid had lower free bond energy values than ferulic acid, hence, predicted to have greater activity. Molecular dynamics also reveal better stability interactions of the 4-(4-methoxy)benzoyloxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid with COX-1 protein than the ferulic acid. Conclusion: The compound, 4-(4-methoxy)benzoyloxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid is feasible to be synthesised.