Flavonoid compounds are potent inhibitors of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase

Summary The inhibitory activity of 19 flavonoid molecules on cyclic AMP breakdown by a commercial beef heart phosphodiesterase preparation is reported. 7 compounds are active in the micromolar range, 2 of which have a potency equivalent to that of papaverine. Some structure activity relationships are drawn.This investigation was partially supported by grants from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (ATP 2315) and from the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (CRL 75.1.188.5).