Valepotriates, a New Class of Cytotoxic and Antitumor Agents

The following valepotriates: valtrate and didrovaltrate, isolated from the roots of Valeriana wallichii D. C., as well as baldrinal, a degradation product of the valtrate, were tested for their cytotoxic and antitumor activities, respectively in vitro on cultured rat hepatoma cells (HTC line), and in vivo , on female mice KREBS II ascitic tumors. It appears that the three valepotriates are very potent cytotoxic agents for the HTC hepatoma cells, and that the didrovaltrate induces a perceptible high per cent definitive remissions of the KREBS II ascitic tumors. Key Word Index Valeriana wallichii - Valerianaceae - Valtrate - Didrovaltrate - Baldrinal - MORRIS Rat hepatoma cells (HTC) - KREBS II ascitic tumors