Cytotoxic triterpenoids from the leaves of Euphorbia pulcherrima

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-2006-957893

Two cytotoxic triterpenes have been isolated from Euphorbia pulcherrima. Their structures and stereochemistry have been established from NMR, IR, and EI-mass spectroscopy. The compounds were identified as 9,19-cycloart-23-ene-3β,25-diol and 9,19-cycloart-25-ene-3β,24-diol. Cytotoxicity evaluation was performed using Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. While cycloartenol induced no cytotoxic activity against Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, both isolated triterpenes exhibited cell inactivating effects. The IC₅₀ is approximately 7.5 μM, while the IC₉₀ is approximately 13.5 μM for 9,19-cycloart-25-ene-3β,24-diol. The 3β,25-diol compound is 50% less active.