Oleanolic Acid A-lactams Inhibit the Growth of HeLa, KB, MCF-7 and Hep-G2 Cancer Cell Lines at Micromolar Concentrations

Oleanolic acid ketones, oximes, lactams and nitriles were obtained. Complete spectral characterizations (IR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, DEPT and MS) of the synthesized compounds are presented. The derivatives had oxo, hydroxyimino, lactam or nitrile functions at the C-3 position, an esterified or unmodified carboxyl group at the C-17 location and, in some cases, an additional oxo function at the C-11 position. The new compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity on the HeLa, KB, MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cancer cell lines with the application of MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] test. Among the tested compounds, some oximes and all lactams proved to be the most active cytotoxic agents. These triterpenes significantly inhibited the growth of the HeLa, KB, MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cancer cell lines at micromolar concentrations.