Novel epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) analogs activate AMP-activated protein kinase pathway and target cancer stem cells.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a critical monitor of cellular energy status and also controls processes related to tumor development, including cell cycle progression, protein synthesis, cell growth and survival. Therefore AMPK as an anti-cancer target has received intensive attention recently. It has been reported that the anti-diabetic drug metformin and some natural compounds, such as quercetin, genistein, capsaicin and green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), can activate AMPK and inhibit cancer cell growth.

Total synthesis of (+/-)-elegansidiol, (+/-)-farnesiferol B, and (+/-)-farnesiferol D.

The racemic total synthesis of elegansidiol, farnesiferol B, and farnesiferol D has been obtained following a Diels-Alder approach. Gillman addition, cross metathesis reaction are the other key steps involved in the target synthesis.