Selective apoptosis-inducing activity of crinum-type Amaryllidaceae alkaloids

The selective apoptosis-inducing activity of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids belonging to the crinane-type is reported. Crinamine 4 and haemanthamine 9 were shown to be potent inducers of apoptosis in tumour cells at micromolar concentrations. Structure-activity relationships demonstrated that both an alpha-5,10b-ethano bridge and a free hydroxyl at the C-11 position are pharmacophoric requirements of this activity.