Synthesis of novel spin-labeled podophyllotoxin derivatives as potential antineoplastic agents: Part XXV

Chemistry and Biological Activities of Naturally Occurring and Structurally Modified Podophyllotoxins

Plants containing podophyllotoxin and its analogues have been used as folk medicines for centuries. The characteristic chemical structures and strong biological activities of this class of compounds attracted attention worldwide. Currently, more than ninety natural podophyllotoxins were isolated, and structure modifications of these molecules were performed to afford a variety of derivatives, which offered optimized anti-tumor activity. This review summarized up to date reports on natural occurring podophyllotoxins and their sources, structural modification and biological activities. Special attention was paid to both structural modification and optimized antitumor activity. It was noteworthy that etoposide, a derivative of podophyllotoxin, could prevent cytokine storm caused by the recent SARS-CoV-2 viral infection.

Synthesis of novel aryl dithian valeryl podophyllotoxin ester derivatives as potential antitubulin agents

L4 can cause A549 cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase potently by disrupting tubulin polymerization.