Cytotoxic alkaloids from the twigs and leaves of Cephalotaxus sinensis

Org Biomol Chem. 2022 Dec 21;21(1):169-178. doi: 10.1039/d2ob01980a.

Abstract

Twelve new Cephalotaxus alkaloids (1-12) and nine known analogues (13-21) were isolated and identified from the twigs and leaves of Cephalotaxus sinensis. The structures of the new compounds (1-12) were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Cephalosine H (8) is the third example of an alkaloid containing the cephalolancine skeleton. Cephalosines J and K (10 and 11) are the rare natural Δ(2)1-alkene-6-hydroxyl homoerythrina-type alkaloids isolated from the Cephalotaxus genus. The racemization of cephalotaxine-type alkaloids is discussed. Alkaloids 6, 7, 11, 16, 18 and 19 exhibited broad and potent cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 0.053 to 10.720 μM, highlighting these compounds as promising leads for the development of new antitumor agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids* / chemistry
  • Alkaloids* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / analysis
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / pharmacology
  • Cephalotaxus* / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Alkaloids
  • Antineoplastic Agents