DNA binding activity of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids

The DNA binding activity of twenty Amaryllidaceae alkaloids belonging to th e lycorine, homolycorine, galanthamine, crinane, tazettine and miscellaneou s skeletal types was assessed using an HPLC method. Compounds were tested a s HCl salts at 0.5 mg/ml. Nine of the compounds assayed displayed DNA bindi ng effect >90%, comparable to that of vinblastine at the same concentration . Three products were active with values between 63.5-82.5%. Some structure activity trends were observed for lycorine and homolycorine alkaloids.