Enhancing anticancer activity through the combination of bioreducing agents and triterpenes

Abstract

Aim: Triterpenes are natural compounds, whose wide biological activity predestines them for application as promising new chemotherapeutics. In this paper, we report the results of our investigations into the substitution of oleanolic acid with aromatic and nitroaromatic moieties acting as bioreducing agents. Results: The process of reduction of nitro groups was investigated through cyclic voltammetry, UV–Vis and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroelectrochemistry. The cytotoxic activity against selected cancer cell lines was determined, showing a significant increase in cytotoxicity when the triterpene is equipped with a nitroaromatic moiety. Conclusion: We believe this approach to the functionalization is promising in terms of enhancing anticancer activity. We also indicate electrochemical techniques as advantageous preclinical screening methods for the identification of cytotoxic agents.