Antimycobacterial arylidenecyclohexanones and related Mannich bases

Several series of 2-arylidenecyclohexanones and related Mannich bases as well as various 2,6-bis(arylidene)cyclohexanones were evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Using a concentration of 12.5 microg/ml, nearly half of the unsaturated ketones inhibited the growth of the microorganism by 21-66% while all of the Mannich bases achieved 99% or greater inhibition. The relative hydrophobicities and widths of the molecules may have been contributing factors as to whether bioactivity was present or absent. Two of the Mannich bases demonstrated noteworthy potencies towards Mycobacterium avium. The conclusion was drawn that Mannich bases of 2-arylidenecyclohexanones represent a novel class of antimycobacterials.