Zanthoxylum species

Fagaronine and nitidine from Zanthoxylum species represent two of the more potent antitumor benzo[c]phenanthridines of Rutaceae. Both of these alkaloids have been shown to inhibit the enzymatic activity of topoisomerase in a way similar to camptothecin (28,29). It would be interesting to learn whether further study on Z. ailanthoid.es Sieb. Zucc. discloses any benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid of anti-neoplastic value. 

Dreyer, D. L., and R. C. Brenner Alkaloids of Some Mexican Zanthoxylum Species. Phytochemistry 19, 935 (1980). 

Misra, L. N Vyry Wouatsa, N. A., Kumar, S., Venkatesh Kumar, R., and Tchoumbougnang, F. (2013). Antibacterial, cytotoxic activities and chemical composition of fruits of two Cameroonian Zanthoxylum species. PEthno hamio. 148, 74-80. 

The chemical constituents of Australian Zanthoxylum species. IV. Two new coumarins from Zanthoxylum suberosum C. T. White (Syn. Zanthoxylum dominianum Merr. Perry Zanthoxylum ovalifolium Wight). Aust. J. Chem. 20 2429-2439. 

Ewing J, Hughes G K, Ritchie E 1950 The chemical constituents of Australian Zanthoxylum species. I. Suberosin, 6-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-7-methoxycoumarin. Aust J Sci Res 3A 342-345... 

Knajniak E R, Ritchie E, Taylor W C 1973 The chemical constituents of Australian Zanthoxylum species. Part 6 A further examination of the constituents of the bark of Zantoxylum consper-sipunctatum Rutaceae. Aust J Chem 20 687-689... 

Previously thought to be present in prickly ash bark, berberine was not detected in later studies, although it has been reported as a major alkaloid in another Zanthoxylum species, Z. monophyllum Lam. ... 

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