Oleanolic Acid A-lactams Inhibit the Growth of HeLa, KB, MCF-7 and Hep-G2 Cancer Cell Lines at Micromolar Concentrations.

Oleanolic acid ketones, oximes, lactams and nitriles were obtained. Complete spectral characterizations (IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, DEPT and MS) of the synthesized compounds are presented. The derivatives had oxo, hydroxyimino, lactam or nitrile functions at the C-3 position, an esterified or unmodified carboxyl group at the C- 17 location and, in some cases, an additional oxo function at the C-11 position. The new compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity on the HeLa, KB, MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cancer cell lines with the application of MTT [3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] test. Among the tested compounds, some oximes and all lactams proved to be the most active cytotoxic agents. These triterpenes significantly inhibited the growth of the HeLa, KB, MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cancer cell lines at micromolar concentrations.