Synthesis and Anti-tumor Activities against HepG2 Cell in vitro of the Conjugates of Honokiol, Quercetin and Berberine

Abstract

Berberine, honokiol, quercetin are the lead compounds with outstanding anti-tumor activities. Three novel products were synthesized from honokiol, quercetin and berberine. The structures of the products were firstly confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 2D NMR, HRMS, IR and UV. All products were evaluated for their anti-tumor activities against HepG2 cell in vitro and the results showed that the inhibitory effects of two compounds on HepG2 cell were far superior to honokiol and berberine hydrochloride, and the anti-tumor activities were similar to the reference drug cisplatin. It means that compounds 1 and 2 are expected to be the potential anti-tumor drugs.