Isoflavanquinones from Abrus precatorius roots with their antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Phytochemical studies on the root of Abrus precatorius Linn. (Fabaceae), leads towards the identification of four undescribed (abruquinones M, N, O, and P), and seven known abruquinones, (abruquinones A, E, B, F, I, D, and G). Spectroscopic analyses (1D, and 2D NMR, HRESI-MS) were used in elucidating structures of the all compounds. Evaluation of anticancer activities of the isolated isoflavanquinones revealed that abruquinones M, and N showed cytotoxicity against oral CAL-27 (IC values 6.48 and 5.26 μM, respectively), and colon (Caco-) cell lines (IC values 15.79 and 10.33 μM, respectively). Abruquinone M also inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells (NCI-H460) with IC of 31.33 μM. The isolated isoflavanquiones also showed potent anti-inflammatory potential through phagocyte oxidative burst and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α inhibition in vitro. These findings suggest isoflavanquinones from A. precatorius roots as candidates for further research in cancer treatment.