Farnesyl anthranilate suppresses the growth, in vitro and in vivo, of murine B16 melanomas

The numbers of isoprene residues and unsaturated bonds, cis/trans configuration, and head group polarity influence the tumor-suppressive potency of acyclic isoprenoid hydrocarbons and alcohols: within the series tested, trans, trans farnesol had the greatest potency. Geraniol esters had increased potency relative to that of the free alcohol. Farnesyl anthranilate induced a concentration-dependent decrease in the B16 melanoma cell population, in part due to an increased proportion of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and in part by the increased the proportion of apoptotic cells. Farnesyl anthranilate (1.5 mmol/kg diet) significantly suppressed the growth of implanted B16 melanomas and lowered the plasma cholesterol levels of tumor-free mice. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.