In the early 80s the collection of Pancratium found a very
potent anticancer constituent, pancratistatin. Subsequently, the U.S. National
Cancer Institute initiated preclinical development of pancratistatin due to its
high level of in vitro and in vivo cancer cell growth inhibitory. Unfortunately,
the preclinical development slowed by severe supply constraints and by its very
low aqueous solubility properties. There is an urgent need to further research
and explore any potential anticancer drugs.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a
successful synthesis of pancratistatin from narciclasine in 3.6% overall yield.
Narciclasine has been the most attractive precursor because of its availability
in practical quantities. There also has been extensive in depth research done on
narciclasine and its potential synthesis.
Once pancratistatin was converted, even minor structural
modifications led to decreased cancer cell growth activity. With further
development and modifications pancratistatin could be a primary tool in curing
cancer.
Potential Applications
- Antineoplastic agents
- Anticancer drugs
Benefits and Advantages
- Simple to isolate narciclasine in large amounts from
plants
- Available orally and by injection
- Inhibition of cancer growth from a renewable
source
Download original PDF.
For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr.
Pettit's departmental webpage
