Farnesyl anthranilate suppresses the growth, in vitro and in vivo, of murine B16 melanomas

The numbers of isoprene residues and unsaturated bonds, cis/trans configura tion, and head group polarity influence the tumor-suppressive potency of ac yclic isoprenoid hydrocarbons and alcohols: within the series tested, trans , trans farnesol had the greatest potency. Geraniol esters had increased po tency relative to that of the free alcohol. Farnesyl anthranilate induced a concentration-dependent decrease in the B16 melanoma cell population, in p art due to an increased proportion of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cyc le and in part by the increased the proportion of apoptotic cells. Farnesyl anthranilate (1.5 mmol/kg diet) significantly suppressed the growth of imp lanted B16 melanomas and lowered the plasma cholesterol levels of tumor-fre e mice. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.