Abstract

In 1863, Diphenylamine (DPA) was prepared by Hoffmann by the destructive distillation of different triphenylmethane dyes. DPA are naturally occurring compounds, present in onions, leaves of black and green tea and peel of citrus fruits. DPA derivatives belong to the category of Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Diclofenac, chemically called 2-(2,6-dichloranilino) phenylacetic acid, is a well-known NSAID. Other important compounds are tolfenamic acid, flufenamic acid and mefenamic acid, etc. DPA derivatives are claimed for several important biological activities which include anti-microbial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant and anti-cancer activities. Many more compounds have been discovered and many are still being focused.

The key goal of this article is to show up the different derivatives and the pharmacological activities of DPA. Hence, it can be concluded that DPA and its derivatives possess significant therapeutic functions and many potent derivatives are still to be discovered.

Keywords: Diphenylamine, anti-microbial activity, analgesic activity, anti-inflammatory activity anti-convulsant activity, anticancer activity, anti-tubercular activity.

Graphical Abstract