Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of Novel 4′-O-Demethylpodophyllotoxin Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents

摘要

Ten 4β-N-substituted derivatives of 4′-O-demethylpodophyllotoxin were designed by aldehydes reacting with 4′-O-demethylpodophyllotoxin. Their cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines (HeLa) was evaluated using the MTT assay. Compounds 7a–7d, 7f, 7g, and 7h exhibited pronounced stronger activity than that of the positive control etoposide (VP-16). 4β-N-Substituted derivatives of 4′-O-demethylpodophyllotoxin were worthy of further study with potential antitumor activity.