Isolation, synthesis, and anti-tumor activities of a novel class of podocarpic diterpenes

A novel unusual 17-carbon diterpenoid, named (+)-7-deoxynimbidiol, was isolated from the stalks of Celastrus hypoleucus (Oliv.) Warb. Its racemate and derivatives were synthesized, and the inhibitory activities of these compounds against four cultured human-tumor cell lines were evaluated. The structure–activity relationship was discussed.

Graphical abstractA novel unusual 17-carbon diterpenoid, named (+)-7-deoxynimbidiol, was isolated from the stalks of Celastrus hypoleucus (Oliv.) Warb., and its racemate and derivatives were synthesized. When their anti-tumor activities were evaluated, compounds 2, 11, and 2b were found to have potency against the cultured human-tumor cell lines HeLa, A549, CNE, and MCF in vitro. The SAR (structure–activity relationship) was discussed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide