Study on the Synthesis and Bioactivity of Diosgenin Antitumor Derivatives

Nine novel diosgenin derivatives were designed and synthesized by using diosgenin as a precursor. Their structures were identified by H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, IR and FIRMS. Antitumor activity (A549, A431, H1975, HCT-116, Aspc-1, Ramos) and cytotoxicity (HBE, LO-2) were measured for all derivatives using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT). The results show that most diosgenin derivatives have significant anti-tumor activity and low cytotoxicity.