Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Podophyllotoxin Derivatives

Two series of podophyllotoxin derivatives were synthesized by addition of a 4β-sulfanilamide to or substitution of a 4β-amide into podophyllotoxin. Their cytotoxicities were evaluated against four human cancer cell lines (A549, HeLa, MCF-7, and PC-3). Investigations of the structure–activity relationship were generalized. Derivative 9f (2-thienoylaminoepipodophyllotoxin) exhibited the highest activity against the cancer cells, inhibiting growth of MCF-7 cells with IC50 0.67 ± 0.37 μM. A change in the morphology of MCF-7 cells treated with 9f also confirmed its activity as a cytotoxic derivative against cancer cells.