This study evaluated the phytochemical characterization of Bixa orellana (BO extract) unsaponifiable extract and resulting fractions (F fraction -FF, Geranyl fraction -GF and R fraction-RF) obtained as by-products of an industrial process investigating in vitro antiproliferative activities in human tumoral cells. The main compounds identified by GC-MS for BO extract were Geranylgeraniol (61.51%); for FF: Geranylgeraniol (70.23%); for GF: Geranylgeraniol (78.92%) and for RF: -cubebene (27.75%). Quantifications of geranylgeraniol by GC-FID presented the percentage content: BO 27.52%; FF 38.52%; GF 51.44% and RF 1.81%. BO extract showed a significant antiproliferative activity, with GI 50 up to 4 µg/mL. All fractions had a remarkably similar antiproliferative activity profile (GI 50 27-47 µg/mL). Data reported herein showed an important cytostatic effect for BO extract, nevertheless this activity is not attributed exclusively to geranylgeraniol. In conclusion, this by-product becomes of great value, being a potential candidate for development of new anti-tumor ingredients.
Cacospongia sp. is a species of marine sponge that produces labdane-class diterpens known as Cacofurans A and B, which show cytotoxic activity in vitro. In this work, we present the synthetic pathway of Cacofurans A and B in ten and nine steps, respectively. Five steps of the synthetic proposal were completed, with 25% overall yield, including the formation of a five-membered ring using the Suárez reaction. After the completion of the total synthesis, the cytotoxic potential of Cacofurans A and B will be evaluated.
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