Antiproliferative effects of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans isolated from Schisandra chinensis in human cancer cells

Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans isolated from Schisandra chinensis showed antiproliferative effects in various human cancer cells. The methoxy groups at C-3, C-4, C-3′, and C-4′, the hydroxyl group at C-8′, and the stereo-configuration of the biphenyl ring and the angeloyl group might have influence on these activities. Additional studies indicate that one of mechanism of action of an active compound schizantherin C in A549 human lung cancer cells was related to the inhibition of cell cycle progression in G0/G1 phase.