Etude complémentaire de la cytotoxicite de la mélinonine F, alcaloide dérive de la beta-carboline

The cellular effects of melinonine F, an alkaloid isolated from STRYCHNOS MELINONIANA (South America) and STRYCHNOS USAMBARENSIS (Central Africa), are analysed in cancer or normal cells in culture. A cytotoxic action is noted in both types of cells, at least for relatively high concentrations. These effects are probably due to interaction of the drug with chromatin. Physico-chemical analysis demonstrates partial intercalation of melinonine F on pure DNA IN VITRO.