Total synthesis of cajanine and its antiproliferative activity against human hepatoma cells

Cajanine, a constituent of Cajanaus cajan L., used in traditional Chinese medicine, is a promising drug candidate because of its broad range of bioactivities. However, the total synthesis of cajanine and its derivatives has never been reported. Herein, we report the total synthesis of cajanine in nine steps with an overall yield of 10% together with its analog, longistyline A, in 8% yield. The antiproliferative activity of the two compounds against a human hepatoma cell line is also reported.

Graphical abstractTotal synthesis of cajanine together with its analog, longistyline A, was reported and the antiproliferative activity of the two compounds against a human hepatoma cell line was also examined.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide