SUMMARY
Two curcuminoid analogues 1,7-Bis(3,4,5-trimethoxy phenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione;1,7-di(9-anthracenyl)-1,6-heptadiene3,5dione, were synthesized and characterized by UV, IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and mass spectral techniques. The Zn (II), Cu (II), VO (IV) complexes of the two curcuminiod analogues were synthesized and characterized. Antibacterial, Antifungal and cytotoxic activity of the curcuminoid analogues and their transition metal chelates were studied. The metal chelates were found to be more active than curcuminoid analogues in antibacterial and antifungal activities. Curcuminod analogue-Metal complexes exhibited more cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines than the curcuminoid analogues. Among the metal chelates, the Cu (II) chelate of 1,7-di(9-anthracenyl)-1,6-heptadiene3,5dione compound was found to be very active against cancer causing cells. VO(IV)complex of 1,7-di(9-anthracenyl)-1,6-heptadiene3,5dione showed enhanced antifungal activity and Cu(II) complex of 1,7-di(9-anthracenyl)-1,6-heptadiene3,5dione was most effective against bacterial strains.