New Bioactive Alkyl Sulfates from Mediterranean Tunicates

Abstract

Chemical investigation of two species of marine ascidians, Aplidium elegans and Ciona edwardsii, collected in Mediterranean area, led to isolation of a series of alkyl sulfates (compounds 1–5) including three new molecules 1–3. Structures of the new metabolites have been elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Based on previously reported cytotoxic activity of these type of molecules, compounds 1–3 have been tested for their effects on the growth of two cell lines, J774A.1 (BALB/c murine macrophages) and C6 (rat glioma) in vitro. Compounds 1 and 2 induced selective concentration-dependent mortality on J774A.1 cells.

Keywords

• natural products
• alkyl sulfate
• cytotoxic activity
• structure elucidation
• ascidians