Valepotriates, a New Class of Cytotoxic and Antitumor Agents

Abstract

The following valepotriates: valtrate and didrovaltrate, isolated from the roots of Valeriana wallichii D. C., as well as baldrinal, a degradation product of the valtrate, were tested for their cytotoxic and antitumor activities, respectively in vitro on cultured rat hepatoma cells (HTC line), and in vivo, on female mice KREBS II ascitic tumors.

It appears that the three valepotriates are very potent cytotoxic agents for the HTC hepatoma cells, and that the didrovaltrate induces a perceptible high per cent definitive remissions of the KREBS II ascitic tumors.

Key Word Index

Valeriana wallichii - Valerianaceae - Valtrate - Didrovaltrate - Baldrinal - MORRIS Rat hepatoma cells (HTC) - KREBS II ascitic tumors