Semi-synthesis and anti-tumor activity of 5,8-O-dimethyl acylshikonin derivatives

A set of twenty-two 5,8-O-dimethyl acylshikonin derivatives were designed and synthesized starting from shikonin. The cell-based investigation demonstrated that these dimethylated derivatives were less active than or equally effective to shikonin. However, the selective cytotoxicities toward MCF-7 were found among these derivatives, together with no toxicity in the normal cell. Furthermore, compounds 3f, 3p, 3r were subjected to KM mice suffering from S-180 carcinoma subcutaneously, which possessed more potent than Fluorouracil, a typical anticancer drug used clinically. So we may conclude that the modification to the mother nucleus of shikonin via the methylation is an available approach to acquiring anti-tumor agents with higher selectivity and lower toxicity.

Graphical abstractTwenty-two 5,8-O-dimethyl acylshikonin derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxicity to three cancer cells. The in vivo anti-tumor activities of three derivatives were also reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights► 5,8-O-dimethyl acylshikonin derivatives were designed and synthesized. ► The evaluation for their cytotoxicity to three cancer cells was investigated. ► The in vivo anti-tumor activities of three derivatives were also evaluated. ► The derivatives display the higher selectivity and lower toxicity.