Phytochemical analysis and antileukemic activity of polyphenolic constituents of Toona sinensis

Abstract Toona sinensis is a traditional Chinese medicine belonging to the Meliaceae family. The aim of this study was to identify the potential compounds responsible for anticancer activity of T. sinensis . The EtOAc extracts of leaves and woods of T. sinensis inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells. Our phytochemical research of these extracts led to the isolation of various polyphenolic constituents. The chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses. Among isolates, gallic acid and loropetalin D showed inhibition of cell proliferation and possible induction of apoptosis in these cells. Overall, our results revealed the importance of T. sinensis as a chemopreventive medicinal plant. In addition, an analysis of structure–activity relationship indicated that the number of galloyl groups affects their antileukemic potency.