Abstract
The effects of two nor-diterpenes, trans-dehydrocrotonin
(DCTN) and trans-crotonin (CTN) from
Croton cajucara (Euphorbiaceae), on the survival of mice bearing Sarcoma
180 and Ehrlich carcinoma ascitic tumours, on the proliferation of cultured
Ehrlich cells and TNFα activity were determined. When the mice were treated
with 80 and 120 mg/kg of DCTN or 38 mg/kg of 5-FU a significant
anti-tumour activity was obtained (%T/C of 128 - 140).
The cytotoxicity against Ehrlich carcinoma was 16 μM for DCTN and
CTN whereas the flavonoid quercetin was cytotoxic at 44 μM in 48 h
cell culture. No apoptosis was seen on in vitro electrophoresis
of DNA extracted from the tumour cells treated with DCTN and CTN. A significant
TNFα activity was detected in Ehrlich tumour-bearing mice treated with
DCTN suggesting an enhanced immune function.
Key words
Croton cajucara
- Euphorbiaceae - clerodane diterpene - anti-tumour activity - TNFα activity
