Benzophenones and xanthones with isoprenoid groups from Cudrania cochinchinensis

J Nat Prod. 2001 Jan;64(1):65-70. doi: 10.1021/np000406p.

Abstract

Four new benzophenones with two isoprenoid groups, cudraphenones A-D (1-4), and three new xanthones also with two isoprenoid units, cudraxanthones P-R (5-7), were isolated from the roots of Cudraniacochinchinensis, together with 19 known phenolic compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Some compounds exhibited weak cytotoxicity against human oral squamous carcinoma cells (HSC-2) and normal human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Among them, benzophenones 1-4 showed more potent cytotoxic activities against HSC-2 cells than against HGF cells. On the other hand, xanthones bearing isoprenoid groups showed much lower tumor specificity as compared with the benzophenones, except for geronthxanthone H and isoalvaxanthone. The presence of two sets of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups in separate domains in each molecule might play a role in the mediation of tumor-specific action.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / isolation & purification
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Benzophenones / chemistry*
  • Benzophenones / isolation & purification
  • Benzophenones / pharmacology*
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Xanthines / chemistry*
  • Xanthines / isolation & purification
  • Xanthines / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Benzophenones
  • Xanthines