Annonaceous acetogenins (ACG), an extensive group of cytotoxic natural products, are
antitumor agents whose main mode of action is inhibition of the mammalian mitochondrial
complex I. Herein we describe the importance of the different chemical groups along
the alkyl chain for optimal inhibitory potency, discussing the structurally relevant
factors present in these compounds. For this purpose, a series of epoxide derivatives
from α-linolenic acid were prepared and their activity compared with that of epoxy-acetogenins
and tetrahydrofuranic (THF) acetogenins isolated from Rollinia membranacea.
Annonaceae -
Rollinia membranacea
- epoxy-acetogenins - tripoxyrollin - diepomuricanin A - membrarollin - α-linolenic
acid derivatives - inhibitors of mitochondrial complex I