Molecular modeling of some 1H-benzimidazole derivatives with biological activity against Entamoeba histolytica: a comparative molecular field analysis study.

Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) was performed on a set of 1H-benzimidazole derivatives. Molecular modeling and 3D-QSAR were employed to determine the tautomeric form that would probably fit a target receptor in Entamoeba histolytica. CoMFA results suggest that the antiamoebic activity is favored with steric bulk at position 5 of the benzimidazole ring and low electron density on the group at position 2. To the best of our knowledge this is the first 3D-QSAR study performed for benzimidazoles as antiamoebic agents. The CoMFA models derived will be very valuable to design new and more potent compounds against E. histolytica.