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Benzylidene indanones have been designed and synthesized from gallic acid, a plant phenolic acid as possible anticancer agent. The best analogue of the series, that is, 3‐(3′,4′,5′‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐4,5,6‐trimethoxy‐2‐(4˝‐nitrobenzylidene)‐indan‐1‐one (8) exhibited potent cytotoxicity (IC₅₀=3–10 μm) against several human cancer cell lines through microtubule destabilization (IC₅₀=1.54 μm) after occupying colchicine‐binding site of β‐tubulin. In cell cycle analysis, compound 8 exerted G2/M phase arrest in both MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells and induced apoptosis. It reduced 34.8% solid tumor in in vivo Ehrlich ascite carcinoma in Swiss albino mice at 30 mg/kg dose. In acute oral toxicity experiment, it was tolerable up to 300 mg/kg doses in Swiss albino mice. The lead compound 8 needs to be optimized for better activity.