Cytotoxic lignans from Larrea tridentata

Phytochemistry. 2005 Apr;66(7):811-5. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2005.02.007.

Abstract

Six lignans, including the cyclolignan 3,4'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxy-6,7'-cyclolignan, were isolated from the flowering tops of Larrea tridentata. Additionally the flavanone, (S)-4',5-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone, was isolated for the first time from L. tridentata or any member of the family Zygophyllaceae. All of the compounds were assessed for their growth inhibitory activity against human breast cancer, human colon cancer and human melanoma cell lines. The lignans had IC50 values of 5-60 microM with the linear butane-type lignans being the most potent, and it was found that colon cancer cells were the least sensitive cell type tested. The relative potency of linear butane type lignans against human breast cancer appears to correlate positively with the number of O-methyl groups present on the molecule.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / isolation & purification*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Colonic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Larrea / chemistry*
  • Lignans / chemistry
  • Lignans / isolation & purification*
  • Lignans / pharmacology*
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Molecular Structure

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Lignans