Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of Azine Derivatives of 6-Hydroxyxanthanodiene

Background: The conjugates of the sesquiterpene lactone of the eremophilane series of 6- hydroxyxanthanodiene with hydrogenated azines (piperidines and piperazines) have been synthesized and identified by NMR spectrometer. Objective: A lactone with an unusual skeleton “6-hydroxyxanthanodiene” was extracted from the plant Elecampane (Inula helenium L) and identified various species with NMR spectrometer. Methods: The cytotoxic, mitochondrial, and antioxidant activities on different tumor lines such as A549, HCT116, RD and Jurkat were investigated and determined possible mechanisms. Results: The results showed that the most potent compound was IIIi exhibiting highest cytotoxicity against RD cells (IC50 25.23 ± 0.04 μM), depolarized the mitochondrial membrane and was an effective antioxidant (IC50 inhibition of LP 10.68 ± 3.21 μM) without any toxic side effect on healthy cells. Conclusion: The conjugates of sesquiterpene lactone 6-hydroxyxanthanodiene III and hydrogenated azines may help to design potential promising anticancer drugs.