Guaianolides constitute a large and diverse group of biologically active plant sesquiterpenes mainly belonging to the Asteraceae family that highlight phytotoxic activity, but have also reported antifungal, bactericide, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. We have carried out the preparation of a secoguaianolide isolated from Artemisia gorgonum. This compound has shown high activity in the wheat coleoptile bioassay, as well as in STS phytotoxicity bioassay. Additionally, this compound was tested on human cell cultures, showing apoptosis induction on ovarian cancer cells. These findings show that the same compound could be used for inhibition of plant growth or as a pharmaceutical. Other guaianolides could be used as germination stimulators, with a clear agronomic utility to control parasitc weeds such as witchweeds (Striga spp.) and broomrapes (Orobanche spp.). With this purpose a collection of new compounds which have been named guaianestrigolactones were synthesized and tested using the natural guaianolide dehydrocostuslactone as the starting material. 

Guaianolides for multipurpose molecular design

244th National Meeting (2012)

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