Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-Alkylamide derivatives as anti-tumor agents

BackgroundN-Alkylamides (NAAs), derived from Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) DC, have potential anti-tumor effects. To explore the molecular mechanism and chemo-preventive capacity of NAAs, we synthesized an NAA (H-10) and evaluated whether it could inhibit the proliferation of B16, HepG2, HeLa, and HCT116 cancer cells in 2D culture.MethodsTo evaluate the antiproliferative activity of H-10 in 2D and 3D culture of BD, HepG2, HeLa, and HCT116 cells, multicellular tumor spheroids were constructed to more accurately reflect the cell tumor environment. To visualize nuclear changes related to apoptosis, Hoechst 33258 staining and propidium iodide-Annexin V double staining were performed.ResultsCompound H-10 strongly inhibited the growth of all tested cell lines. Hoechst 33258 staining and propidium iodide-Annexin V double staining revealed that H-10 did not cause morphological alterations in the nuclei and moderately induced late apoptosis only when treated at 180 μM. The strongest inhibitory effect was observed in HCT116 cells. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that treatment of HCT116 cells with compound H-10 resulted in robust cell growth arrest in G2 phase in 2D and 3D cell culture; in 3D-cultured HCT116 cells, growth arrest occurred in G1 phase. Treatment with compound H-10 also significantly suppressed angiogenesis of chick chorioallantoic membrane in vivo.ConclusionTreatment with compound H-10 strongly affected clonogenic survival (in the long-term) and migration of HCT116 cells. Therefore, H-10, a compound of NAAs may be useful for treating cancer because of its anti-neoplastic effect and easy synthesis.     

奥沙利铂和7-羟基星形孢菌素联合用药对HCT116细胞的抑杀作用

目的:观察奥沙利铂(Oxaliplatin,L-OHP)与7-羟基星形孢菌素(7-hydroxystaurosporine,UCN-01)单独及联合应用对结肠癌细胞HCT116的增殖抑制作用,探讨其诱导细胞死亡的作用机制.方法:应用MTT法检测L-OHP,UCN-01单药及联用对HCT116细胞的增殖抑制作用;应用流式细胞术、Western blot方法检测药物处理的结肠癌细胞凋亡;应用HE染色法检测丝裂灾变的形态改变.结果:低浓度L-OHP(6.25 μmol·L-1)与UCN-01(100 nmol·L-1)联用对结肠癌HCT116细胞的杀伤可产生协同作用,效果明显强于单独用药组;两药联用Annexin V阳性细胞率与UCN-01单用无明显差别,但死亡细胞明显增加;两药联用HCT116细胞的形态发生改变,巨核多核细胞较单独用药组增多约10％.结论:L-OHP与UCN-01联用对HCT116细胞的增殖具有协同抑制作用,诱导细胞发生凋亡和丝裂灾变.     

Promotion of direct angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo by Puerariae flos extract via activation of MEK/ERK‐, PI3K/Akt/eNOS‐, and Src/FAK‐dependent pathways

Puerariae flos has been used for oriental herbal medicine; however, its angiogenic effect has not been elucidated. We found that the extract from Puerariae flos (PFE) increased in vitro angiogenic events, such as endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, as well as in vivo neovascularization. These events were followed by the activation of multiple signal modulators, such as extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nitric oxide production, p38, Src, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), without increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Inhibition of ERK, Akt, and eNOS suppressed PFE‐induced angiogenic events, and inhibition of p38 and Src activities blocked PFE‐induced endothelial cell migration. PFE did not affect the expression of intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 and transendothelial permeability, which are involved in the adverse effects of the well‐known angiogenic inducer VEGF. These results suggest that PFE directly stimulates angiogenesis through the activation of MEK/ERK‐, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt/eNOS‐, and Src/FAK‐dependent pathways, without altering VEGF expression, vascular inflammation, and permeability in vitro and in vivo and may be used as a therapeutic agent for ischemic disease and tissue regeneration. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

绿原酸通过影响自噬及耐药蛋白表达逆转5-氟尿嘧啶结肠癌细胞的耐药性

[目的] 观察绿原酸（ChA）对耐5-氟尿嘧啶（5-FU）结肠癌细胞（HCT116-R）中多药耐药及自噬蛋白的影响,探讨绿原酸对HCT116-R细胞系的耐药逆转作用及相关作用机制。[方法] 体外传代培养HCT116、HCT116-R细胞系,采用CCK8法检测了ChA和5-FU对HCT116细胞增殖活力的影响;采用100、400 mg/L ChA干预HCT116-R细胞系48 h后,采用实时荧光定量逆转录聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）和蛋白免疫印迹法（Western Blot）分析细胞中耐药、自噬相关基因及相关蛋白的表达。[结果] ChA可以诱导5-FU对结肠癌HCT116细胞增殖活力的抑制作用;Western Blot实验结果表明HCT116-R细胞中P-糖蛋白（P-gp）、肺抗药性相关蛋白（LRP）、自噬相关基因Beclin-1及高迁移率族蛋白B1（HMGB1）表达相对于HCT116细胞显著上调（P<0.05）;进一步分析发现ChA呈剂量性的抑制HCT116-R细胞中P-gp、LRP、Beclin-1及HMGB1 mRNA和蛋白表达（P<0.05）,并且ChA还降低了p-Akt1、Akt1、哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白mTOR表达（P<0.05）。[结论] ChA通过影响Akt1/mTOR分子通路活化降低耐药相关蛋白P-gp、LRP及自噬相关蛋白Beclin1、HMGB1表达,进而逆转5-FU结肠癌细胞系的耐药性。     

Buddlejasaponin IV induces cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis in immortalized human oral keratinocytes

Buddlejasaponin IV (BS-IV), a major component of Pleurospermum kamtschaticum, exerts antiinflammatory and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. The study investigated whether BS-IV could prevent oral carcinogenesis by inhibiting the growth of immortalized human oral keratinocytes (IHOKs). BS-IV reduced cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptotic morphological changes in IHOKs. BS-IV inhibited the levels of cyclin B1, Cdc2 and Cdc25C, but enhanced Chk2 phosphorylation. The increased levels of pRb and p21 protein and the activation of p53 were also noted in BS-IV-treated IHOKs. In addition, BS-IV induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria by reducing antiapoptotic Bcl-2 levels and increasing pro-apoptotic Bax levels. BS-IV treatment resulted in the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. PARP cleavage was also clearly observed in the BS-IV-treated IHOKs. Furthermore, the expression of the Fas death receptor and Fas ligand was induced and procaspase-8 level was suppressed by BS-IV treatment. Taken together, BS-IV treatment inhibited the growth of IHOK cells via the induction of p53-dependent cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and apoptosis via both mitochondrial-dependent and death receptor-mediated pathways. Thus, BS-IV can be considered an excellent candidate for a chemopreventive agent to block the progression of HPV-induced oral carcinogenesis.     

Anti‐lung Cancer Effects of Polyphyllin VI and VII Potentially Correlate with Apoptosis In Vitro and In Vivo

Polyphyllin VI (PVI) and polyphyllin VII (PVII) derived from Paris polyphylla possess anti‐cancer activities. However, the mechanisms for the anti‐lung cancer effects of PVI and PVII remain poorly understood. In this study, PVI and PVII exhibited inhibitory effects on the proliferation of A549 and NCI‐H1299 cells. PVI and PVII induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and triggered apoptosis. PVI and PVII upregulated the tumor suppressor protein p53 and downregulated cyclin B1. The two treatments significantly increased the expression levels of death receptor 3, death receptor 5, Fas, cleaved PARP, and cleaved caspase‐3. Furthermore, PVI and PVII significantly inhibited the growth of A549 cells in vivo. The tumor inhibitory rates of PVI were 25.74%, 34.62%, and 40.43% at 2, 3, and 4 mg/kg, respectively, and those of PVII were 25.63%, 41.71%, and 40.41% at 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg, respectively. Finally, PVI and PVII regulated the expression of proteins related to the apoptotic pathway in A549 xenografts. In summary, PVI and PVII exhibited strong inhibitory effects on lung cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and triggering apoptosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

3‐O‐Acetyloleanolic Acid Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Carcinoma Hct‐116 Cells

The cytotoxic effect of 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid, an oleanolic acid derivative isolated from the seeds of Vigna sinensis K., was investigated in human colon carcinoma HCT‐116 cells. 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid dose‐dependently inhibited the viability of HCT‐116 cells. Apoptosis was characterized by detection of cell surface annexin V and sub‐G1 apoptotic cell populations. The number of immunostained cells with annexin V‐FITC was increased after treatment with 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid. The sub‐G1 cell population was also increased. Expression of TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis signaling‐related death receptor DR5 was increased in 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid‐treated HCT‐116 cells. Activation of caspase‐8 and caspase‐3, critical mediators of extrinsic apoptosis signaling, was also increased by 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid. The results indicate that 3‐O‐acetyloleanolic acid induces apoptosis in HCT‐116 cells mediated by an extrinsic apoptosis signaling cascade via up‐regulation of DR5. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Gleditsia sinensis thorns inhibit the production of NO through NF-kappaB suppression in LPS-stimulated macrophages

The thorns of Gleditsia sinensis LAM. (Leguminosae) have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including swelling, suppuration, carbuncle and skin diseases in China and Korea. In this study, we investigated the mechanism responsible for anti-inflammatory effects of Gleditsia sinensis thorns in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The aqueous extract of Gleditsia sinensis thorns (AEGS) inhibited LPS-induced NO secretion as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, without affecting cell viability. Furthermore, AEGS suppressed LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation, phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaB-alpha, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). These results suggest that AEGS has the inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production and iNOS expression in macrophages through blockade in the phosphorylation of MAPKs, following IkappaB-alpha degradation and NF-kappaB activation.     

Harmine Hydrochloride Triggers G2 Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in MGC‐803 Cells and SMMC‐7721 Cells by Upregulating p21, Activating Caspase‐8/Bid,and Downregulating ERK/Bad Pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effects of harmine hydrochloride (HMH) on digestive tumor cells in vitro and its molecular mechanism. MTT assays showed that HMH inhibited the proliferation of some human cancer cell lines and had no obvious inhibitory effects on human LO2 cells. Flow cytometry assays showed that HMH trigged G2 phase arrest in MGC‐803 cells and SMMC‐7721 cells, while the expression of cyclin A, cyclin B, p21, Myt1, and p‐cdc2 (Tyr15) was upregulated. Flow cytometry assays also showed that the percentages of apoptotic cells were increased, the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) decreased, and the cleavage of caspase‐9, caspase‐3, and poly (Adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) were observed, the expression of Bad increased, phospho‐Bad (S112) decreased, pro‐caspase‐8 was cleaved, and Bid (22 kDa) was cleaved. The expression of p‐ERK decreased in both cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that HMH upregulates the expression of p21, activates Myt1 and inhibits cdc2 by phospho‐cdc2 (Y15), and triggers G2 phase arrest in both MGC‐803 cells and SMMC‐7721 cells. It can also activate the mitochondria‐related cell apoptosis pathway through the caspase‐8/Bid pathway, inhibiting the ERK/Bad pathway and promoting apoptosis in both of these two cell types. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

重楼皂苷Ⅰ诱导G2/M期阻滞及干扰微管结构抗结肠癌HCT116细胞作用机制

目的：探讨重楼皂苷Ⅰ（PPI）对人结肠癌HCT116细胞周期的影响,并研究其作用机制。方法：采用四甲基偶氮唑盐比色法（MTT）检测PPI对HCT116细胞的体外抑制活性;采用Hoechst33258染色法观察PPI对HCT116细胞核数量的影响;采用流式细胞仪检测PPI对HCT116细胞周期的影响;采用蛋白免疫印迹法（Western blot）检测细胞中细胞周期蛋白依赖性激酶（CDC2）和细胞分裂周期蛋白25同源蛋白C（CDC25C）蛋白的表达和活性,利用细胞免疫荧光和激光扫描共聚焦显微镜检测PPI对HCT116细胞微管的影响。结果：PPI以剂量-时间依赖的方式抑制HCT116的体外增殖,Hoechst 33258染色发现PPI处理组双核细胞数量明显增加（P<0.05,P<0.01）;将其细胞周期阻滞于G₂/M期;PPI未能抑制G₂/M期相关蛋白CDC2,CDC25C的表达和活性,却有促进作用;PPI可导致细胞微管结构紊乱。结论：PPI会导致HCT116细胞阻滞在G₂/M期,其作用机制与干扰细胞内微管结构有关。     

Silibinin Triggers Apoptosis and Cell‐Cycle Arrest of SGC7901 Cells

Silibinin, a flavonoid compound, has shown to be of chemopreventive potential against many cancers. However, its efficacy against gastric cancer has not been well elucidated. Here, we assessed the activity of Silibinin on apoptosis and cell‐cycle arrest in human gastric cells culture system using SGC‐7901 as the model. Silibinin treatment could inhibit the cell growth and cause a prominent G₂ phase arrest and apoptosis in dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. In mechanistic studies, Silibinin decreased the protein level of p34cdc2, which might be the possible molecular mechanism of Silibinin efficacy on the growth inhibition in SGC‐7901 cells. In addition, Silibinin caused an increase in p53 and p21 protein level as well as mRNA levels. Interestingly, Silibinin‐induced apoptosis in SGC‐7901 cells was independent of caspases activation. These results indicated that Silibinin is a cell‐cycle regulator and apoptosis inducer in human gastric carcinoma SGC‐7901 cells and might be used as a candidate chemopreventive agent for gastric carcinoma prevention and intervention. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimization of Aqueous Extraction and Biological Activity of Harpagophytum procumbens Root on Ex Vivo Rat Colon Inflammatory Model

Harpagophytum procumbens has a long story of use for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Considering both the antiinflammatory effects of H. procumbens in multiple tissues and the stability of harpagoside in artificial intestinal fluid, the aim of the present study was to explore the possible protective role of a microwave‐assisted aqueous Harpagophytum extract (1–1000 μg/mL) on mouse myoblast C2C12 and human colorectal adenocarcinoma HCT116 cell lines, and isolated rat colon specimens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a validated ex vivo model of acute ulcerative colitis. In this context, we evaluated the effects on C2C12 and HCT116 viability, and on LPS‐induced production of serotonin (5‐HT), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, prostaglandin (PG)E₂ and 8‐iso‐prostaglandin (8‐iso‐PG)F_2α. Harpagophytum extract was well tolerated by C2C12 cells, while reduced HCT116 colon cancer cell viability. On the other hand, Harpagophytum extract reduced H₂O₂‐induced (1 mM) reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, in both cell lines, and inhibited LPS‐induced colon production of PGE₂, 8‐iso‐PGF_2α, 5‐HT and TNFα. Concluding, we demonstrated the efficacy of a microwave‐assisted Harpagophytum aqueous extract in modulating the inflammatory, oxidative stress and immune response in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), thus suggesting a rational use of Harpagophytum in the management and prevention of ulcerative colitis in humans. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

罗格列酮与维A酸联合应用对MCF-7细胞相关蛋白表达的影响

 目的研究PPARγ激动剂罗格列酮(ROZ)与维A酸联合应用对人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞相关蛋白表达的影响,阐明PPARγ激活后的抗肿瘤作用以及相关机制。方法MTT法检测ROZ、维A酸及两者联合应用对MCF-7细胞生长的作用。用荧光染料Hochest33342对细胞单染观察MCF-7细胞凋亡形态。用流式细胞仪检测MCF-7细胞的细胞周期分布。采用Western Blot法测定药物对MCF-7细胞相关蛋白表达的影响。结果ROZ对MCF-7细胞有一定的生长抑制作用,与维A酸合用后能显著抑制MCF-7细胞增殖,且两者呈协同作用(q>1.15)。维A酸能增强ROZ的凋亡诱导作用,表现为核碎裂和核固缩的细胞增多。流式细胞术分析二者合用可导致G1期细胞周期阻滞,S期细胞减少。Western Blot结果显示,ROZ可促进PPARγ、P53、Erk1/2、p-ERK1/2及JNK的表达,抑制ERα、C-myc及p-JNK的表达;与维A酸联合应用时可显著升高PPARγ表达,降低ERα、Bcl-2、C-myc及p-JNK表达的作用增强,并且抑制ERK的磷酸化。结论ROZ与维A酸联合应用可显著抑制MCF-7细胞的增殖,具有协同作用,可通过对Bcl-2、C-myc、P53、ERα和MAPK信号传导通路的影响而发挥抑制细胞增殖、诱导凋亡的作用。     

泽泻醇-B-乙酸酯对结直肠癌HCT116细胞增殖和周期的影响

目的:研究泽泻提取物泽泻醇-B-乙酸酯对人结直肠癌细胞株HCT116生长的影响。方法:采用不同浓度的泽泻醇-B-乙酸酯分别作用于大肠癌HCT116细胞24、48、72小时后,应用MTT(四氮甲基唑蓝)测定细胞生长抑制效应,流式细胞仪(FCM)检测细胞周期变化。结果:泽泻醇-B-乙酸酯能显著抑制HCT116细胞增殖,且在一定的浓度范围内呈时间和浓度依赖性。FCM检测结果显示随着作用时间的延长或者药物剂量的增加,G_0/G_1期的细胞显著增加,使细胞发生G_1期阻滞,进入S期、M期的比例降低,细胞增殖受抑。结论:泽泻醇-B-乙酸酯能以时间和浓度依赖的方式抑制HCT116细胞生长;泽泻醇-B-乙酸酯将细胞阻止在G_0/G_1期,进入S期、M期的比例降低,从而通过影响细胞周期进程来抑制细胞增殖。     

肉豆蔻醚抑制结肠癌细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的作用及机制研究＊

目的 探讨肉豆蔻醚（myristicin）对结肠癌细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的作用及机制。方法 MTT法检测肉豆蔻醚在体外对结肠癌细胞HCT116和LOVO增殖的影响；Annexin V/PI双染法检测肉豆蔻醚对HCT116和LOVO细胞凋亡的影响；划痕试验和Transwell实验分别检测肉豆蔻醚对HCT116和LOVO细胞迁移和侵袭的影响；western blot实验检测肉豆蔻醚对p-MEK1/2、p-ERK1/2、CyclinD1、E-cadherin、MMP-2以及MMP-9表达的影响。结果 肉豆蔻醚作用后，HCT116和LOVO细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭受到显著抑制，细胞出现显著凋亡；肉豆蔻醚作用后，HCT116和LOVO细胞内MEK1/2、ERK1/2、CyclinD1、MMP-2以及MMP-9蛋白表达水平显著降低，而E-cadherin蛋白表达水平显著增高。结论 本研究发现肉豆蔻醚在体外具有抑制结肠癌细胞生长的作用，为临床用药提供一定的实验依据，为肿瘤治疗提供新的靶点和策略。     

构树绿原酸样化合物诱导胃癌细胞凋亡的机制研究

目的研究构树绿原酸样化合物诱导胃癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡的作用及机制。方法采用MTT法检测构树绿原酸样化合物对SGC-7901细胞增殖的影响,DAPI染色法观察细胞形态,Annexin V/PI双染色法结合流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡,PI染色结合流式细胞术检测细胞周期,DCHF-DA探针荧光显微镜观察细胞内活性氧(ROS)变化,JC-1染色荧光显微镜观察细胞线粒体膜电位变化,Westernblotting检测细胞p53、Bcl-2、Bax、CytochromeC、p-p38、p-JNK、JNK、细胞外调节蛋白激酶(ERK)、p-ERK蛋白表达量。结果构树绿原酸样化合物能显著抑制SGC-7901细胞增殖,且呈时间和剂量依赖性;给药组细胞内出现染色质浓缩和凋亡小体,细胞周期被阻滞在G2/M期,且线粒体膜电位显著下降(P0.05、0.01),ROS水平显著升高(P0.05、0.01)。构树绿原酸样化合物能显著上调SGC-7901细胞p53、Bax、Cytochrome C和p-p38蛋白表达水平(P0.05、0.01、0.001),显著下调p-ERK和Bcl-2表达水平(P0.01、0.001)。结论构树绿原酸样化合物可能通过p38-MAPK和ERK-MAPK信号通路介导线粒体氧化应激途径诱导胃癌细胞SGC-7901凋亡。     

Swietenia macrophylla King induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis through p53 upregulation in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Swietenia macrophylla King is a traditional herb used to treat various diseases including hypertension, diabetes and cancer. Previous study demonstrated its anti-tumor effect but the potential mechanisms have not been clearly defined. The current study was to further investigate the underlying mechanism of ethyl acetate fraction of Swietenia macrophylla (SMEAF)-induced anti-proliferative effect and apoptosis in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cell.

Materials and methods

Cell viability was evaluated in HCT116 cells by trypan blue exclusion assay. Apoptotic cell death was detected by Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was analyzed by flow cytometry. The apoptotic gene and protein expression were determined by Real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR) and immunofluorescence staining using flow cytometry, respectively.

Results

SMEAF significantly inhibited HCT116 cell viability and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. SMEAF-induced apoptosis was triggered by the activation of p53 and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Moreover, the significant increase in p53 was accompanied by a decrease murine double minute 2 (MDM2) expression. SMEAF significantly increased the expression of the Bax protein resulting in a markedly elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio which may have triggered the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, resulting in caspase-3/7 and caspase-9 activation.

Conclusion

These results suggested that SMEAF exerts its antitumor activity in HCT116 cells by activating proapoptotic signaling pathway through intracellular ROS formation triggering the mitochondrial-mediated pathway via p53 activation.     

Cytotoxic activity of Secondary Metabolites from Marine‐derived Fungus Neosartorya siamensis in Human Cancer Cells

Compounds isolated from the marine sea fan‐derived fungus Neosartorya siamensis (KUFA 0017), namely, 2,4‐dihydroxy‐3‐methylacetophenon (1), chevalone C (2), nortryptoquivaline (4), tryptoquivaline H (6), tryptoquivaline F (7), fiscalin A (8), epi‐fiscalin A (9), epi‐neofiscalin A (11) and epi‐fiscalin C (13) were tested for anti‐proliferative activity by MTT assay, DNA damage induction by comet assay, and induction of cell death by nuclear condensation assay on colon HCT116, liver HepG2 and melanoma A375 cancer cell lines. Compounds 2, 4, 8, 9, 11 and 13 presented IC₅₀ values ranging from 24 to 153 μM in the selected cell lines. Cell death was induced in HCT116 by compounds 2, 4 and 8. In HepG2, compounds 4, 8, 9 and 11 were able to induce significant cell death. This induction of cell death is possibly not related to genotoxicity because none of the compounds induced significant DNA damage. These results suggest that selected compounds present an interesting anti‐proliferative activity and cell death induction, consequently showing potential (specifically epi‐fiscalin C) as future leads for chemotherapeutic agents. Further studies on mechanisms of action should ensue. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.