Spirocyclic lignans from Guaiacum (Zygophyllaceae) induce apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines

We investigated the composition of extracts derived from Guaiacum spp. (Zygophyllaceae), a group of neotropical tree species with varied uses in Central and South American traditional medicine. Activity-guided fractionation of Guaiacum heartwood extracts led to the identification of four new spirocyclic lignans, named ramonanins A-D (1-4). The ramonanins exhibit cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 18 microM and induce cell death via apoptotic mechanisms. The ramonanins are derived from four units of coniferyl alcohol and feature an unusual spirocyclic ring system.