Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Establishment of Coloproctitis Cancer Model in Mice and Evaluation of Therapeutic Effect of Chinese Medicine
Published on: October 13, 2023
Antiproliferative alkaloids from Crinum zeylanicum
Strahil Berkov1, Stefania Romani, Maria Herrera
1Departament de Productes Naturals, Biologia Vegetal i Edafologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Crinum zeylanicum alkaloids show significant anticancer potential. Crinine demonstrated potent antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects against human tumor cells, highlighting its therapeutic promise.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Crinum zeylanicum holds traditional medicinal uses.
- Its complex alkaloid composition is recognized.
- Alkaloids are known for diverse biological activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify bioactive alkaloids from Crinum zeylanicum.
- To evaluate the antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of these alkaloids on human tumor cell lines.
- To explore structure-activity relationships of the isolated compounds.
Main Methods:
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for alkaloid profiling.
- Isolation and purification of specific alkaloid compounds.
- In vitro assays to determine antiproliferative activity (IC50) and apoptosis induction.
Main Results:
- Several alkaloids including crinine, lycorine, and 6-hydroxybuphanidrine were isolated.
- Crinine, 6-hydroxybuphanidrine, and 6-ethoxybuphanidrine exhibited antiproliferative effects.
- Crinine showed the highest activity (IC50 14.04 μM against HL-60/Dox) and induced apoptosis in cancer cell lines.
- Structure-activity relationship analysis revealed key modifications impacting cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Crinum zeylanicum alkaloids, particularly crinine, possess significant anticancer properties.
- Crinine's ability to induce apoptosis warrants further investigation for cancer therapy.
- Understanding structure-activity relationships can guide the development of novel anticancer agents.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
Anthelminthic Agents
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
Inhibition of Cdk Activity