On the Podophyllotoxins of Root Cultures of Linum flavum

Abstract

The cytotoxic activity of root cultures of Linum flavum is due to the accumulation of 5-methoxypodophyllotoxin-4-β-D-glucoside. Depending on the cell extraction procedure only the aglycon may be found, as there is evidently a specific β-glucosidase present in the cells. The aglycon exhibits a 250-500 times higher cytotoxic activity than the glucoside.