(19αH)-lupane and (9βH)-lanostane triterpenes from Euphorbia helioscopia trigger apoptosis of tumor cell

Abstract

Chemical investigation of Euphorbia helioscopia resulted in the identification of seven new triterpenes named euphorbatrine A-G (1–7), including two (19αH)-lupane (1–2) and three (9βH)-lanostane (4–6), which are very rare metabolites from plants. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, X-ray crystallography and chemical methods. Compounds 5 and 6 triggered apoptosis of Hela−/− cell with EC50 values of 1.59±0.25 and 26.48±0.78μM, respectively.