Coumarins from Cicuta virosa and their modulating effects on multidrug-resistant (MDR) tumors

A new dimeric coumarin, diarchangelicin A (1), together with 10 known coumarins, were isolated from the aerial parts of Cicuta virosa L. and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. In addition, the known compounds were evaluated for multidrug resistance reversing activity by using doxorubicin-resistant K562/A02 cells. Compounds 2 and 7 were endowed with remarkable MDR reversing effects.

. A new dimeric coumarin, diarchangelicin A (1), together with 10 known coumarins, were isolated from the aerial part of Cicuta virosa L., and the multidrug resistance reversing activity of known compounds has been evaluated.Highlights► 11 coumarins were isolated from Cicuta virosa. ► Diarchangelicin A (1) was a new dimeric coumarin. ► Compounds 2 and 7 were able to reverse the resistance of K562/A02 cells to DOX by 7.25- and 6.20-fold. ► No such activity was found in K562 cells.