Abstract:
OBJECTIVE To design and synthesize ursolic acid-resveratrol conjugates and investigate their anti-cancer activities.
METHODS Ursolic acid-resveratrol conjugates were synthesized from ursolic acid by esterification reaction, and the
in vitro antitumor activity of target conjugates was assessed by MTT assay.
RESULTS Twelve ursolic acid-resveratrol conjugates were synthesized, and structures were characterized by
1H-NMR and MS analysis. The preliminary biological results showed that these conjugates displayed inhibitory activity on both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Specifically, the inhibitory activity of conjugate
13b-c and
15b-c on MCF-7 was stronger than that of ursolic acid, resveratrol and the positive drug of tamoxifen. Additionally, all conjugates were nontoxic to normal MCF-10A cells.
CONCLUSION The introduction of resveratrol unit into the structure of ursolic acid can enhance its anti-tumor activity.