10.1016/j.bmc.2013.06.044
The study presents the design, synthesis, and in vitro evaluation of a new series of goniothalamin analogues, specifically 5-methyl-5-styryl-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-ones, which are based on the structure of goniothalamin, a natural styryl lactone with known cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities against various cancer cell lines. The researchers prepared a focused library of 17 analogues and assessed their cytotoxicity against eight human cancer cell lines. The purpose of these chemical compounds was to potentially enhance the cytotoxic profile of goniothalamin and to contribute to a better understanding of the structure-activity relationship, which could aid in the design of more active and selective anticancer agents. The analogues with trifluoromethyl groups on the aromatic ring showed similar cytotoxicity to goniothalamin, suggesting that these modifications could activate the inhibitor's electrophilic site, thereby increasing cytotoxicity.