Novel Furochromone Derivatives: Synthesis and Anticancer Activity Studies

Medicinal plant extracts have been used for medical purposes throughout human history. In this study, khellin, having furochromone structure, which is obtained from a well‐known traditional medicinal plant, was selected. A series of furochromonyl compounds ( K1 – K14 ) were synthesized for their anticancer activities. Furochromonyl compounds ( K1 – K14 ) were synthesized by Knoevenagel reaction of substituted 2,4‐thiazolidinediones ( Ia – j )/rhodanines ( Ik – n ) with khellin‐2‐carboxaldehyde ( V ), and their cytotoxicity was investigated in 22 cancer cell lines, which were originated from tissues such as the liver, breast, colon, and cervix. As the first step, two hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5 (Alexander cells) were treated with 10 μM of each compound for 72 h, and then sulforhodamine B assay was performed to analyze their anti‐growth activities. Ethyl 2‐(5‐((4,9‐dimethoxy‐5‐oxo‐5H‐furo3,2‐g]chromen‐7‐yl)methylene)‐4‐oxo‐2‐thioxothiazolidin‐3‐yl)acetate ( K11 ) was found as the most cytotoxic compound of primary screening. Afterwards, 12 hepatocellular carcinoma, seven breast cancer, two colon cancer, and a cervical cancer cell lines were selected to test K11 for 72 h at multiple concentrations to determine 50% effective doses. Results showed that the 14 cell lines were affected by K11 quantities lower than 10 μM. The structure of K11 , which is particularly effective on breast cancers, can be used to slow down the progression of tumors. Furthermore, the discovery of more effective compounds can be carried out on the basis of this structure.