| abstract |
The invention relates to new alkaloids from Mappia foetida, phoetidins 1 and 2, which have anti-cancer and antiviral properties. These water-soluble alkaloids are present in all parts of the plant and are precursors of camptothecin and 9-methoxycamptothecin, which are known to be alkaloids that have pharmacodynamic properties but are not soluble in water. It is the ability of the new compounds to dissolve in water that makes them especially suitable for parenteral administration in the treatment of patients, which avoids the use of toxic excipients or unacceptable chemical derivatives. |