Synthesis of a new ent-cyclozonarone angular analog, and comparison of its cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects with ent-cyclozonarone.

The synthesis of a newangular analog 11 of cyclozonarone was achieved via Diels-Alder reaction between a sesquiterpene-1,3-diene and 1,4-benzoquinone. The cytotoxic activity of ent-cyclozonarone [(+)-10] and the angular (-)-cyclozonarone analog 11 has been determined in three human cancer cell lines and in normal fibroblasts using the sulforhodamine B assay. The analyzed isomers induce cell death in different cancer cell lines by eliciting nuclear condensation and fragmentation, decreasing mitochondrial membrane permeability and increasing caspase-3 activity, all traits indicating apoptosis, with the effects of (+)-10 being stronger than those of 11 in all cases.

Depsides and triterpenes in Pseudocyphellaria coriifolia (lichens) and biological activity against Trypanosoma cruzi.

The lichen Pseudocyphellaria coriifolia is a species endemic to southern South America. From the lichen thallus, methyl evernate, tenuiorin and three hopane triterpenoids were isolated and identified as the main lichen constituents. Their trypanocidal effects were screened against epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi.