Synthesis and biological evaluation of new derivatives of emodin.

Drugs containing an anthraquinone moiety such as daunorubicin (Daunoblastin) and mitoxantrone (Onkotrone) constitute some of the most powerful cytostatics. They suppress tumor growth mainly by intercalation into DNA and inhibition of topoisomerase II, and are suspected to generate free radicals leading to DNA strand scission. We established a novel strategy for obtaining new highly functionalized derivatives of emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-anthraquinone).