Sesquiterpene lactones. XVI. In vitro studies on cytotoxic properties of sesquiterpene lactones in tissue cultures of human and animal malignant cells.

Cytoxicity of 18 new sesquiterpene lactones and related compounds was studied by tissue culture method using human malignant KB and HeLa cells, normal RK 13 animal cells, and by the modified plate test of Miyamura. On the basis of criteria of CCNSC HIH, USA, seven compounds with ED50 activities between 0-41 and 3-5 mug/ml were qualified for further investigation in vivo. Cytotoxic activity of sesquiterpene lactones was dependent on presence of an unsaturated lactone ring, (see article). As a rule activity of germacranolids was higher than that of guaianolides.