Synthesis and anticancer activity of a novel series of 9-O-substituted berberine derivatives: A lipophilic substitute role

Compound 8, a farnesyl substituted at 9-O-position of berberine, could significantly enhance the cytotoxic activity of human cancer HepG2 and HT-29 cell lines, the presence of lipophilic farnesyl substituents with moderate sizes might be crucial for the optimal anticancer activity.