Antileukemic Principles Isolated from Euphorbiaceae Plants

Abstract

Extracts of Euphorbia esula L. and Croton tiglium L., two members of the Euphorbiaceae which have been used widely in folk medicine for treating cancers, showed antileukemic activity against the P-388 lymphocytic leukemia in mice. Systematic fractionation of the extract of Euphorbia esula L. led to characterization of a major antileukemic component as the new diterpenoid diester, ingenol 3,20-dibenzoate. Similar fractionation of Croton oil led to characterization of phorbol 12-tiglate 13-decanoate as an active principle.