Further Studies of the Norditerpene (+)-Harringtonolide Isolated from Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. drupacea: Absolute Configuration, Cytotoxic and Antifungal Activities

Abstract

Harringtonolide (= hainanolide) is a complex polycyclic fused norditerpene isolated from Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. drupacea. In spite of its appealing biological properties – we measured an IC₅₀ of 43 nM on KB cells and a significant antifungal activity – its absolute configuration has not yet been firmly established. This was done herein using X-ray anomalous scattering after bromination of the tropone ring, unambiguously giving the stereochemistry 5R,6R,7S,13S,14S,15R,16R. Detailed in vitro biological measurements are provided.

Key words

Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. drupacea - Cephalotaxaceae - norditerpenes - absolute configuration - X-ray diffraction - biological activities

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