Cytotoxic activity of some natural and syntetic sesquiterpene lactones

Several natural and synthetic sesquiterpene lactones with different skeletons were tested and found to be active against nine cancer cell lines. Elemane (4), heliangolane (5) and their hydroxy analogues 9 and 10, all containing an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde substituent, were the most potent compounds.