Cytotoxic Lignan from the Non-Transformed Root Culture of Phyllanthus amarus

A new lignan from the non-transformed root in vitro cultures of Phyllanthus amarus was isolated. The structure of the compound was established on the basis of one- and two-dimensional NMR, as well as mass spectrometry data, as 7'-oxocubebin dimethylether (1,4-bis(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2,3-bis(methoxymethyl)butan-1-on). The non-transformed root cultures of P. amarus showed to be a selective source of this compound. The lignan revealed strong cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell line with an IC50 value of 3.8 µg/mL.