Cytotoxic and anti-HIV phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids from Cryptocarya chinensis

Abstract

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the cytotoxic ethanol extract of Cryptocarya chinensis has led to the isolation of 11 compounds, including two phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids [(-)-antofine (1) and dehydroantofine (2)], five pavine alkaloids (3-7), and four proaporphine alkaloids (8-11). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by means of NMR spectroscopic methods, and supported by HRMS and optical rotation data. Compounds 1 and 2 showed cytotoxic activity against four cancer cell lines, L1210, P388, A549, and HCT-8, with 1 being the most potent against A549 and HCT-8 with EC50 values of 0.002 and 0.001 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, 2 is first reported to exhibit significant anti-HIV activity.