Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding properties of La(III) complex of chrysin

A novel La(III) complex of chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) was synthesized and characterized by UV, IR, 1H NMR, thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) and elementary analyses. The interactions of the La(III) complex and chrysin with calf thymus DNA were investigated by spectrophotometric methods and viscosity measurements. The intrinsic binding constants of La(III) complex and chrysin are 1.29 x 10(6) and 5.44 x 10(5) M(-1), respectively. Experimental results indicated that La(III) complex and chrysin can both bind to DNA by intercalation modes, but the binding affinity of La(III) complex is much higher than that of chrysin. Comparative antitumor activities of La(III) complex and chrysin were tested by MTT and SRB methods. The results show that at the concentration of 10 microM for chrysin and La(III) complex, the inhibitory ratios of La(III) complex against the tested tumor cells were higher than those of chrysin.