Cephalotaxine: Potent Alkaloid with Anticancer Potential

1. Molecular Identity

• Chemical Name: (1S,2R,4R,5R,6R,7S)-5-(3-Hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methyl-4,6-epoxy-2-hydroxymethyl-3-oxabicyclo[3.2.2]nonan-7-ol
• CAS Number: 24316-19-6
• Source: Isolated from various species of the Cephalotaxus genus, particularly Cephalotaxus harringtonia

2. Biochemical Significance

Cephalotaxine is a natural alkaloid with a unique pentacyclic ring structure. Its potent biological activities, particularly its anticancer properties, make it a compound of significant interest in natural product research and potential therapeutic applications in oncology.

3. Key Properties

• Anticancer Activity: Demonstrates potent effects against various cancer cell lines
• Protein Synthesis Inhibition: Acts on the ribosome to inhibit protein synthesis
• Structure-Activity Relationship: Serves as a lead compound for semi-synthetic derivatives
• Natural Product: Offers potential for sustainable production from plant sources

4. Potential Research Applications

• Cancer drug development and optimization
• Leukemia research, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Protein synthesis and cellular metabolism studies
• Natural product-based drug discovery

5. Current Research Focus

Ongoing studies are investigating Cephalotaxine’s effects on:

• Various cancer types and mechanisms of action
• Drug-resistant cancer cell lines
• Combination therapies with established anticancer agents
• Structure-activity relationships for enhanced derivatives

6. Formulation Challenges and Innovations

Researchers are actively working on:

• Improving solubility and bioavailability
• Developing targeted delivery systems for enhanced efficacy
• Creating semi-synthetic analogues with optimized properties

7. Regulatory Considerations

As a naturally occurring alkaloid, Cephalotaxine (CAS 24316-19-6) is primarily used in research settings. Its development for therapeutic applications would require extensive safety and efficacy evaluations to meet regulatory standards.

8. Future Research Directions

The scientific community anticipates:

• Advanced preclinical and potential clinical trials for specific cancer indications
• Exploration of Cephalotaxine’s potential in other therapeutic areas
• Development of sustainable production methods, including biotechnology approaches

9. Collaborative Opportunities

We invite oncologists, medicinal chemists, natural product researchers, and academic institutions to explore the research potential of Cephalotaxine. For inquiries, collaborations, or to discuss how Cephalotaxine can benefit your research projects, please contact us at [email protected].

Join us in advancing cancer research with Cephalotaxine – a promising alkaloid at the forefront of natural product-based drug discovery and development.