Synthesis and biological activity evaluation of emodin quaternary ammonium salt derivatives as potential anticancer agents

Twenty-six emodin derivatives (17 novel) which attach quaternary ammonium salt were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. Compounds 11g + 12g and 11h + 12h had more significant antiproliferative ability against three cancer cell lines and low cytotoxicity to HELF. 11g + 12g and 11h + 12h induced AGS cell apoptosis and arrested cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the activities of the caspase-3, -9 enzymes were increased in the treated cells. In vivo studies revealed that compounds 11g + 12g and 11h + 12h showed significant anti-tumor activity compared with controlled group.