Tumor cell toxicity of hypericin and related analogs

Photochem Photobiol. 2001 Aug;74(2):216-20. doi: 10.1562/0031-8655(2001)074<0216:tctoha>2.0.co;2.

Abstract

A series of hypericin analogs were found to differ in their cytotoxic activity induced by ambient light levels. These analogs vary in their ability to partition into cells, to generate singlet oxygen as well as in other photophysical properties. The data suggest that the biological activity of hypericin is due to a combination of factors whose roles may vary under different circumstances.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anthracenes
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Perylene / analogs & derivatives*
  • Perylene / chemistry
  • Perylene / pharmacology*
  • Photochemotherapy
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Photosensitizing Agents / pharmacology
  • Singlet Oxygen
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Anthracenes
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Singlet Oxygen
  • Perylene
  • hypericin
  • Oxygen