10-SUBSTITUTED COLCHICINOIDS AS POTENT ANTICANCER AGENTS

Abstract

The present invention relates to the compounds of formula I wherein R is as herein described. The present invention particularly relates to synthesis and antiproliferative activity of 10-substituted colchicinoids. Compounds of the invention can be used for prevention or in the treatment of cancer disease.

##STR00001##

Claims

1. 10-substituted colchicinoid represented by the formula 1g, ##STR00021##

2. A process for the preparation of compound of formula 1g as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compound is prepared by reacting colchicine (1) in polar organic solvent with 4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenylamine in the ratio in the range of 1:4 under stirring at room temperature for 24-72 hours and purification by conventional method to obtain compound of formula 1g. ##STR00022##

2. A process as claimed in claim 2, wherein the polar organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, acetone, ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl acetate, dimethylformamide.

3. A process as claimed in claim 2, wherein the temperature is preferably in the range of 25-40° C.

4. A process as claimed in claim 2, wherein the time period is preferably 60-70 hours.

5. A method of treating P-gp mediated multi-drug resistant cancer comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of 10-substituted colchicinoid as claimed in claim 1.

6. The compound as claimed in claim 1 for use in treatment of P-gp mediated multi-drug resistant cancer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a scheme illustrating the chemical synthesis of compounds claimed in the invention. Reagents and conditions: (a) amine (1.0 mmol), MeOH (3 mL), rt, 24-72 h, 60-90%.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a scheme illustrating the P-gp activity of colchicine (1) and compounds (1a-1g) at 100 nM, measured in terms of the % intracellular accumulation of Rhodamine 123/total protein inside LS180 cells. The decrease in the % intracellular accumulation (compared to control) of Rh123 indicates induction of P-gp. Rifampicin (10 μM) was used as a reference P-gp inducer. Statistical comparisons were made between control vs 1 and 1 vs other compounds. The p value <0.5 was considered to be significant. P value *<0.5, **<0.01, ***<0.001. Comparison between control and 1 are represented by @.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating effect of colchicine (1) and compounds 1d and 1g on microtubules in HCT-116 cells (National Cancer Institute; U.S). Cells were cultured on coverslips. After 24 h, the cells were treated with 100 nM of compound. Immunocytochemical staining was conducted using anti-α-tubulin antibody and Alexa Flour-488-labeled secondary antibody. Nuclei were stained with DAPI (left panel). The data are representative of three separate sets of experiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Colchicine (1) is a substrate and inducer of P-glycoprotein. The present invention reports compounds, represented by general structure I, possessing better in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity and with reduced P-gp induction liability.

##STR00008##

[0023] A series of 10-substituted compounds were prepared using scheme depicted in FIG. 1. Treatment of colchicine (1) with different amines in methanol produced corresponding 10-amino-linked compounds 1a-g in 60-81% yield. Colchicine (1) along with all synthesized compounds were screened for their ability to induce P-gp in P-gp overexpressing LS-180 cells (ECACC type, purchased from Sigma, Cat. no. 87021202, cell passage no. 52) using rhodamine123 (Rh123) cell exclusion method. The rifampicin (69% intracellular accumulation of Rh123) was used as positive control in this study. Results are depicted in FIG. 2. Colchicine showed potent P-gp induction activity as indicated by the decrease in % intracellular accumulation of Rh123 in LS180 cells (62%) compared to the control (100%). However, synthesized compounds displayed significantly reduced P-gp induction activity; which comprises of compounds substituted with Piperazine 1a, 4-Amino piperidine 1b, 4-Phenyl piperidine 1d, Tryptoline 1f, 4-Chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)aniline 1g all showing 90% intracellular accumulation of Rh123 in LS180 cells compared to the control (100%) (FIG. 2). Further, the EC.sub.50 values of selected compounds 1d and 1g along with colchicine (1) was calculated for P-gp induction activity. The derivative 1d and 1g showed higher EC.sub.50 value compared to colchicine (1). These results suggest that synthesized compounds are less liable to P-gp induction compared to colchicine (1) (Table 1).

[0024] The in vitro antiproliferative activity of compounds 1a-1g along with colchicine (1) was determined by MTT assay in two different cancer cell lines viz. HCT-116 (NCI, passage no. 5) and Colo-205(National Cancer Institute; U.S) 116 (NCI, passage no. 3). The results are summarized in Table 2. The 10-amino substituted compound 1g displayed promising antiproliferative activity in both cell lines (HCT-116, Colo-205) with IC.sub.50 values of 0.040 and 0.030 μM, respectively. The compound 1g showed better antiproliferative activity compared to natural product colchicine. The compounds exhibiting promising cytotoxicity in HCT-116 cells (IC.sub.50≦1 μM) along with complete loss of P-gp induction activity include 1g, and 1d.

[0025] The promising candidates identified through P-gp screening and antiproliferative screening were further studied for tubulin polymerization inhibition activity. Colchicine (1), 10-amino linked derivative 1d and 1g were tested for their ability to show disruption of microtubule assembly using confocal microscopy. As shown in FIG. 3, the cells treated with colchicine (1), derivative 1d and 1g showed a remarkable disruption and loss of microtubules compared to the control.

[0026] The solubility of colchicine (1) and best compounds 1d and 1g were determined in biological media's such as phosphate buffer saline (PBS), simulated gastric fluid (SGF), and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Results are shown in Table 3.

[0027] Further, the compound 1g was evaluated for pharmacokinetic studies. The pharmacokinetics of 1g was evaluated in BALB/c mice following a single 10 mg/Kg dose administration by oral route and 1.0 mg/Kg dose administration by IV route. Following oral administration, elimination half life (t.sub.1/2,β) was found to be 5.43 h and AUC.sub.0-t was found to be 16899 ng.Math.h/mL. Following IV administration, elimination half life (t.sub.1/2,β) was found to be 2.78 h and clearance was ˜6 mL/min/Kg. The absolute oral bioavailability was 64%. The pharmacokinetic parameters are summarized in Table 4 and 5. The PK results indicated excellent plasma exposure of the compound 1g and thus we decided to investigate the effect of this compound in in vivo anticancer model.

[0028] The compound 1g along with colchicine (1) was evaluated for their ability to reduce tumor in Ehrlich solid tumor model in mice. The results are summarized in Table 6. The compound 1g has shown promising activity at 1 mg/kg dose with 47.35% inhibition in tumor size compared to control. There is no mortality observed in the group treated with 1g. On the other hand, colchicine (1) has shown promising activity with 52.29% inhibition at 0.75 mg/kg dose but the mortality was observed in 2 animals in the group of 7 animals. However, colchicine (1) has shown toxicity at 1 mg/kg with mortality of 5 animals in the group of 7 animals. 5-Fluorouracil was used as positive control with 54.78% inhibition at dose 22 mg/kg. These results clearly indicate that our compound 1g has better safety profile compared to colchicine.

[0029] A class of 10-substituted colchicinoids is presented and defined by structural formula I:

##STR00009##

wherein, R group is selected from Piperazine, Piperazine carboxylate, 4-Amino piperidine, 4-Aryl piperidine, Prolinol, β-carboline, or 4-chloro-3-(Trifluoromethyl)phenylamine.

[0030] Compounds of the invention derived from Formula I include, but are not limited to, the following chemical structures:

##STR00010## ##STR00011## ##STR00012##

[0031] The compounds of the invention can be used to treat a patient (e.g. a human) that suffers from or is at a risk of suffering from a disease, disorder, condition, or symptom described herein. The compounds of the invention can be used alone or in combination with suitable excipients in methods of treating or preventing P-gp mediated multidrug resistance cancer disease. Each such treatment described above includes the step of administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of the invention described herein to delay, reduce or prevent such a disease, disorder, condition, or symptom. The compounds of the invention presented herein may be also useful in efflux of toxins out of the body.

[0032] It is understood that the foregoing examples are merely illustrative of the present invention. Certain modifications of the articles and/or methods employed may be made and still achieve the objectives of the invention. Such modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the claimed invention.

Examples

[0033] Following examples are given by way of illustration and should not construed the scope of present invention.

Example 1: Synthesis of N-[(7S)-1,2,3-Trimethoxy-9-oxo-10-(piperazin-1-yl)-5,6,7,9-tetrahydrobenzo[a]heptalen-7-yl]acetamide (1a)

[0034] To the solution of colchicine (1, 0.25 mmol) in MeOH (3 mL) was added corresponding amine (Piperazine, 1.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24-72 h, and then the mixture was diluted with cold water and extracted with ethyl acetate followed by purification with silica gel column chromatography (MeOH: CHCl.sub.3) to yield compounds 1a (67% yield); yellow solid; mp 158-161° C. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.44 (1H, s, br, NH), 7.28 (1H, s, C8-H), 7.25 (1H, d, J=10.8 Hz, C12-H), 6.79 (1H, d, J=10.8 Hz, C11-H), 6.52 (1H, s, C4-H), 4.64-4.61 (1H, m, C7-H), 3.93 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.89 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.64 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.56-3.53 (2H, m, C2′-Ha, C6′-Ha), 3.35-3.32 (2H, m, C2′-Hb, C6′-Hb), 3.14-3.04 (4H, m, C3′-H, C5′-H), 2.50-2.39 (2H, m, C5-Ha, C6-Ha), 2.25-2.18 (1H, m, C5-Hb), 2.01 (3H, s, C14-CH.sub.3), 1.87-1.85 (1H, m, C6-Hb); .sup.13C NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 125 MHz): δ 181.35 (C9), 169.78 (C13), 158.35 (C10), 153.15 (C3), 151.29 (C1), 149.63 (C7a), 141.57 (C2), 136.11 (C12), 134.36 (C12a), 134.27 (C4a), 129.22 (C8), 125.96 (C12b), 118.26 (C11), 107.29 (C4), 61.46 (C1-OCH.sub.3), 61.41 (C2-OCH.sub.3), 56.09 (C3-OCH.sub.3), 51.87 (C7), 49.74 (C2′), 49.74 (C6′), 45.85 (C3′), 45.85 (C5′), 36.99 (C6), 30.05 (C5), 23.03 (C14); HR-MS: m/z calcd 454.2317 for C.sub.25H.sub.31N.sub.3O.sub.5+H.sup.+ (454.2336); IR (CHCl.sub.3): ν.sub.max 3283, 2926, 2852, 1660, 1544, 1462, 1349, 1234, 1195, 1118, 1033 cm.sup.−1.

Example 2: Synthesis of N-[(7S)-1,2,3-Trimethoxy-9-oxo-10-(4-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-5,6,7,9-tetrahydrobenzo[a]heptalen-7-yl]acetamide (1b)

[0035] Procedure for synthesis of 1b is similar to example 1 except corresponding amine (4-Amino-piperidine). Yield, 73%; yellow solid; mp 154-155° C. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.40 (1H, d, J=11.6 Hz, C12-H), 7.39 (1H, s, C8-H), 7.22 (1H, d, J=8 Hz, NH), 6.63 (1H, d, J=11.6 Hz, C11-H), 6.51 (1H, s, C4-H), 4.64-4.61 (1H, m, C7-H), 3.92 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.88 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.60 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.08-3.03 (4H, m, C2′-H, C6′-H), 2.81-2.70 (1H, m, C2′-H), 2.68-2.55 (1H, m, C4′-H), 2.48-2.35 (2H, m, C6-Ha, C5-Ha), 2.26-2.18 (1H, m, C6-Hb), 2.01 (3H, s, C14-CH.sub.3), 1.89-1.84 (1H, m, C5-Hb), 1.74-1.70 (4H, m, C3′-H, C5′-H); .sup.13C NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 125 MHz): δ 175.08 (C9), 169.90 (C13), 153.01 (C10), 152.84 (C3), 151.06 (C1), 150.08 (C7a), 141.48 (C2), 139.07 (C12), 134.53 (C4a), 130.17 (C12a), 126.85 (C12b), 122.83 (C8), 108.53 (C11), 107.15 (C4), 61.43 (C1-OCH.sub.3), 61.35 (C2-OCH.sub.3), 56.09 (C3-OCH.sub.3), 52.52 (C7), 49.03 (C4′), 45.48 (C2′), 45.13 (C6′), 37.28 (C3′), 37.20 (C6), 32.67 (C5′), 30.07 (C5), 22.94 (C14); HR-MS: m/z calcd 468.2448 for C.sub.26H.sub.33N.sub.3O.sub.5+H.sup.+ (468.2493); IR (CHCl.sub.3): ν.sub.max 3305, 2927, 2853, 2802, 1654, 1579, 1488, 1463, 1427, 1283, 1194, 1095, 1045 cm.sup.−1.

Example 3: Synthesis of N-[(7S)-1,2,3-Trimethoxy-9-oxo-10-(N-boc-piperazin-1-yl)-5,6,7,9-tetrahydrobenzo[a]heptalen-7-yl]acetamide (1c)

[0036] Procedure for synthesis of 1c is similar to example 1 except corresponding amine (N-boc-Piperazine). Yield, 60%; yellow solid; mp 158-160° C. .sup.1H NMR (MeOD, 500 MHz): δ 7.32 (1H, d, J=11.0 Hz, C12-H), 7.18 (1H, s, C8-H), 7.05 (1H, d, J=11.0 Hz, C11-H), 6.72 (1H, s, C4-H), 4.48-4.46 (1H, m, C7-H), 3.91-3.81 (2H, m, C2′-Ha, C6′-Ha), 3.89 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.58 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.45-3.42 (2H, m, C2′-Hb, C6′-Hb), 3.30 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 2.65-2.57 (2H, m, C3′-Ha, C5′-Ha). 2.39-2.31 (2H, m, C3′-Hb, C5′-Hb), 2.20-2.12 (2H, m, C6-Ha, C5-Ha), 1.98 (3H, s, C14-CH.sub.3), 1.95-1.94 (2H, m, C5-Hb, C6-Hb), 1.48 (9H, —CH.sub.3×3); .sup.13C NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 125 MHz): δ 181.28 (C9), 169.43 (C13), 157.98 (C10), 154.73 (CT), 153.24 (C3), 151.37 (C1), 149.15 (C7a), 141.74 (C2), 135.93 (C12), 134.34 (C4a), 134.24 (C12a), 129.41 (C8), 125.96 (C12b), 118.03 (C11), 107.39 (C4), 80.07 (C8′), 61.40 (C1-OCH.sub.3), 61.40 (C2-OCH.sub.3), 56.13 (C3-OCH.sub.3), 51.88 (C7), 48.53 (C2′), 48.53 (C6′), 37.24 (C6), 30.02 (C5), 29.70 (C3′), 29.70 (C5′), 28.45 (C9′), 28.45 (C10′), 28.45 (C11′), 22.69 (C14); HR-MS: m/z calcd 554.2885 for C.sub.30H.sub.39N.sub.3O.sub.7+H.sup.+ (554.2861); IR (CHCl.sub.3): ν.sub.max 3390, 2924, 2854, 1653, 1422, 1322, 1232, 1160, 1044 cm.sup.−1.

Example 4: Synthesis of N-[(7S)-1,2,3-Timethoxy-9-oxo-10-(4-phenyl-piperidin-1-yl)-5,6,7,9-tetrahydrobenzo[a]heptalen-7-yl]acetamide (1d)

[0037] Procedure for synthesis of 1d is similar to example 1 except corresponding amine (4-Phenyl-piperidine). Yield, 78%; yellow solid; mp 169-172° C. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.35-7.31 (m, 3H, C9′-H, C10′-H, C11′-H) 7.28-7.20 (2H, C8′-H, C12′-H), 7.26 (1H, s, C8-H), 7.23 (1H, d, J=11.2 Hz, C12-H), 6.84 (1H, d, J=11.2 Hz, C11-H), 6.51 (1H, s, C4-H), 4.65-4.62 (1H, m, C7-H), 4.27-4.24 (1H, m, C2′-Ha), 4.11-4.08 (1H, m, C6′-Ha), 3.94 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.89 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.66 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.06-3.05 (1H, m, C4′-H), 2.86-2.80 (2H, m, C2′-Hb, C6′-Hb), 2.48-2.42 (2H, m, C6-Ha, C5-Ha), 2.22-2.17 (1H, m, C6-Hb), 2.04 (3H, s, C14-CH.sub.3), 2.03-1.92 (3H, m, C5-Hb, C3′-Ha, C5′-Ha). 1.85-1.84 (2H, m, C3′-Hb, C5′-Hb); .sup.13C NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 125 MHz): δ 181.51 (C9), 169.79 (C13), 158.62 (C10), 153.06 (C3), 151.31 (C1), 149.10 (C7a), 145.60 (C7′), 141.57 (C2), 136.19 (C12), 134.41 (C4a), 134.30 (C12a), 128.80 (C8), 128.86 (C9′), 128.86 (C11′), 126.86 (C8′), 126.86 (C12′), 128.41 (C10′), 126.11 (C12b), 118.03 (C11), 107.27 (C4), 61.47 (C1-OCH.sub.3), 61.42 (C2-OCH.sub.3), 56.09 (C3-OCH.sub.3), 51.87 (C7), 49.76 (C2′), 49.68 (C6′), 42.84 (C3′), 36.99 (C6), 33.55 (C3′), 31.14 (C5′), 30.09 (C5), 23.05 (C14); HR-MS: m/z calcd 529.2696 for C.sub.32H.sub.36N.sub.2O.sub.5+H.sup.+ (529.2697); IR (CHCl.sub.3): ν.sub.max 3291, 2932, 2850, 1654, 1601, 1543, 1486, 1399, 1321, 1216, 1095, 1007 cm.sup.−1.

Example 5: Synthesis of N-[(7S)-1,2,3-Trimethoxy-9-oxo-10-(L-prolinol-1-yl)-5,6,7,9-tetrahydrobenzo[a]heptalen-7-yl]acetamide (1e)

[0038] Procedure for synthesis of 1e is similar to example 1 except corresponding amine (L-Prolinol). Yield, 81%; yellow solid; mp 164-166° C. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 500 MHz): δ 7.91 (1H, d, J=6.2 Hz, NH), 7.33 (1H, d, J=11.8 Hz, C12-H), 7.25 (1H, s, C8-H), 6.53 (1H, s, C4-H), 6.48 (1H, d, J=11.8 Hz, C11-H), 6.2 (1H, s, br, C5′-OH), 5.35-5.33 (1H, m, C3′-H), 4.55-4.53 (1H, m, C7-H), 3.93 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.88 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.73-3.69 (2H, m, C6′-H), 3.62 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.55-3.52 (1H, m, C2′-Ha), 3.47-3.41 (1H, m, C5′-Ha), 2.44-2.42 (1H, m, C6-Ha), 2.34-2.25 (2H, m, C6-Hb, C5-Ha), 2.12-2.11 (2H, m, C2′-Hb, C5′-Hb), 2.01 (3H, s, C14-CH.sub.3), 2.01-1.97 (2H, m, C4′-H), 1.97-1.87 (1H, m, C6-Hb); .sup.13C NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 125 MHz): δ 176.77 (C9), 169.85 (C13), 156.25 (C10), 152.92 (C3), 151.34 (C1), 149.89 (C7a), 141.49 (C2), 138.27 (C12), 134.69 (C4a), 129.65 (C12a), 126.20 (C12b), 123.54 (C8), 113.10 (C11), 107.35 (C4), 64.15 (C6′), 62.20 (C2′), 61.43 (C1-OCH.sub.3), 61.27 (C2-OCH.sub.3), 56.08 (C3-OCH.sub.3), 52.04 (C7), 50.58 (C5′), 37.47 (C6), 30.15 (C5), 28.51 (C5′), 23.01 (C4′), 22.45 (C14); HR-MS: m/z calcd 469.2336 for C.sub.26H.sub.32N.sub.2O.sub.6+H.sup.+ (469.2333); IR (CHCl.sub.3): ν.sub.max 3350, 2928, 2853, 1653, 1598, 1527, 1486, 1455, 1401, 1382, 1349, 1237, 1145, 1096, 1019 cm.sup.−1.

Example 6: Synthesis of N-[(7S)-1,2,3-Trimethoxy-9-oxo-10-(2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-2-yl)-5,6,7,9-tetrahydrobenzo[a]heptalen-7-yl]acetamide (1f)

[0039] Procedure for synthesis of 1f is similar to example 1 except corresponding amine (Tryptoline). Yield, 62%; yellow solid; mp 158-160° C. .sup.1H NMR (CD.sub.3OD, 500 MHz): δ 7.44 (1H, d, J=10.0 Hz, C12-H), 7.35 (1H, d, J=10.0 Hz, C11-H), 7.30 (1H, m, C9′-H), 7.18 (1H, s, C8-H), 7.15-6.98 (2H, m, C10′-H, C11′-H), 6.75-6.73 (1H, m, C8′-H), 6.72 (1H, s, C4-H), 4.75-4.69 (1H, m, C7-H), 4.51-4.43 (1H, m, C6′-Ha), 4.10-4.01 (1H, m, C6′-Hb), 3.89 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.87 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.63-3.61 (1H, m, C2′-Ha), 3.57 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.10-2.90 (2H, m, C2′-Hb, C3′-Ha), 2.61-2.51 (1H, m, C6-Ha), 2.45-2.25 (2H, m, C3′-Hb, C6-Hb), 2.24-2.10 (1H, m, C5-Ha), 1.99 (3H, s, C14-CH.sub.3), 1.99-1.97 (1H, m, C5-Hb); .sup.13C NMR (CD.sub.3OD, 100 MHz): δ 171.65 (C9), 167.16 (C13), 159.69 (C10), 158.44 (C3), 154.83 (C1), 151.92 (C7a), 142.69 (C2), 138.47 (C12), 138.07 (C12′), 136.23 (C4a), 132.09 (C12a), 130.38 (C8), 128.83 (C7′), 128.32 (C12b), 127.26 (C5′), 122.16 (C9′), 120.47 (C4′), 119.86 (C10′), 118.60 (C8′), 116.20 (C11′), 111.92 (C11), 108.83 (C4), 61.67 (C1-OCH.sub.3), 61.67 (C2-OCH.sub.3), 56.65 (C3-OCH.sub.3), 53.39 (C7), 48.66 (C2′), 44.54 (C6′), 37.71 (C6), 30.73 (C5), 22.50 (C3′), 22.45 (C14); HR-MS: m/z calcd 540.2493 for C.sub.32H.sub.33N.sub.3O.sub.5+H.sup.+ (540.2493); IR (CHCl.sub.3): ν.sub.max 3392, 2923, 2852, 1649, 1602, 1537, 1487, 1454, 1399, 1349, 1321, 1219, 1095, 1043, 1019 cm.sup.−1.

Example 7: Synthesis of N-[(7S)-1,2,3-Trimethoxy-9-oxo-10-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-4-chloro-phenylamino]-5,6,7,9-tetrahydrobenzo[a]heptalen-7-yl]acetamide (1g)

[0040] Procedure for synthesis of 1g is similar to example 2 except corresponding amine (3-Trifluoromethyl-4-chloro-phenylamine). Yield, 62%; yellow solid; mp 168-171° C. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 500 MHz): δ 8.71 (1H, s, C10-NH), 7.66 (1H, s, C8-H), 7.59 (1H, d, J=4 Hz, C5′-H), 7.56 (1H, s, C2′-H), 7.50 (1H, d, J=4 Hz, C6′-H), 7.40 (1H, d, J=12.0 Hz, C12-H), 7.23 (1H, d, J=12.0 Hz, C11-H), 6.54 (1H, s, C4-H), 4.71-4.69 (1H, m, C7-H), 3.93 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.90 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 3.65 (3H, s, Ar—OCH.sub.3), 2.54-2.51 (1H, m, C5-Ha), 2.44-2.29 (2H, m, C5-Hb, C6-Ha), 2.02 (3H, s, C14-CH.sub.3) 1.94-1.92 (1H, m, C6-Hb); .sup.13C NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): δ 175.83 (C9), 169.73 (C13), 153.35 (C10), 152.14 (C3), 151.12 (C1), 150.79 (C7a), 141.58 (C2), 138.46 (C12), 137.40 (C3′), 134.53 (C1′), 134.26 (C4a), 132.79 (C8), 132.79 (C7′), 128.41 (C12a), 127.21 (C6′), 126.27 (C12b), 125.90 (C5′), 122.58 (C4′), 122.54 (C2′), 110.45 (C11), 107.27 (C4), 61.47 (C1-OCH.sub.3), 61.41 (C2-OCH.sub.3), 56.13 (C3-OCH.sub.3), 52.70 (C7), 37.21 (C6), 29.97 (C5), 22.99 (C14); HR-MS: m/z calcd 563.1556 for C.sub.28H.sub.26C1F.sub.3N.sub.2O.sub.5+H.sup.+ (563.1555); IR (CHCl.sub.3): ν.sub.max 3270, 3001, 2929, 2855, 1660, 1601, 1582, 1543, 1502, 1487, 1463, 1402, 1349, 1322, 1236, 1194, 1142, 1096, 1047, 1015 cm.sup.−1.

Example 8: P-Gp Induction Assay

[0041] All synthesized compounds were screened for their ability to induce P-gp by using rhodamine123 (Rh123) cell exclusion method. In this method, the P-gp function was evaluated in terms of rhodamine 123 (Rh123) accumulation and efflux. Briefly, the protocol used is as follows: Colorectal LS-180 cells (ECACC type, purchased from Sigma, Cat. no. 87021202, cell passage no. 52) were seeded at a density of 2×10.sup.4 per well of 96 well plate and were allowed to grow for next 24 h. Cells were further incubated with the test compounds, and were diluted to a final concentration of 100 nM and rifampicin (standard) to a final concentration of 10 μM in complete media for 48 h. The final concentration of DMSO was kept at 0.1%. Drugs were removed and cells were incubated with HANKS buffer for 40 minutes before further incubation with HANKS buffer (containing 10 μM of Rh123 as a P-gp substrate) for 90 minutes. At the end of Rh123 treatment cells were washed four times with cold PBS followed by cell lysis for 1 h by using 200 μl of lysis buffer (0.1% Triton X-100 and 0.2 N NaOH). A total of 100 μl of lysate was used for reading fluorescence of Rh123 at 485 nm/529 nm. Samples were normalized by dividing fluorescence of each sample with total protein present in the lysate. For EC.sub.50 determination, different concentrations of compound were used to treat LS180 cells for 48 h. EC.sub.50 was determined by plotting fluorescence of Rh123 against concentration of compound.

[0042] Colchicine showed potent P-gp induction activity as indicated by the decrease in % intracellular accumulation of Rh123 in LS180 cells (62%) compared to the control (100%). However, synthesized compounds displayed significantly reduced P-gp induction activity; which comprises of compounds substituted with Piperazine 1a, 4-Amino piperidine 1b, 4-Phenyl piperidine 1d, Tryptoline 1f, 4-Chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)aniline 1g all showing 90% intracellular accumulation of Rh123 in LS180 cells compared to the control (100%) (FIG. 2). Further, the EC.sub.50 values of selected compounds 1d and 1g along with colchicine (1) was calculated for P-gp induction activity. The derivative 1d and 1g showed higher EC.sub.50 value compared to colchicine (1). These results suggest that synthesized compounds are less liable to P-gp induction compared to colchicine (1) (Table 1).

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Induction of P-gp in P-gp overexpressing LS-180 cells using rhodamine 123 (Rh 123) cell exclusion method Entry EC.sub.50 (nM) 1 14.4 1d 29.6 1g 69

Example 9. Antiproliferative Activity

[0043] Human colon cancer cell lines HCT-116 (NCI, passage no. 5) and Colo-205 116 (NCI, passage no. 3) were procured from National Cancer Institute, USA. HCT-116 and Colo-205 cells were grown in McCoy's 5A and RPMI growth medium respectively containing 10% FCS, 100 U penicillin and 100 mg streptomycin per mL medium. Cells were grown in CO.sub.2 incubator (Thermocon Electron Corporation, Houston, Tex.) at 37° C. with 95% humidity and 5% CO.sub.2 gas environment. Cells treated with tested materials were dissolved in DMSO while the untreated control cultures received only the vehicle (DMSO<0.2%). Cells were seeded in 96 well plates and exposed to tested compounds at various concentrations for 48 h time interval. MTT dye (2.5 mg/ml in PBS) was added 4 hrs priors to experiment termination. The plates were then centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 15 min and the supernatant was discarded, and MTT formazan crystals were dissolved in 150 μl of DMSO. The OD measured at 570 nm with reference wavelength of 620 nm.

[0044] The percentages of cell viability and growth inhibition were calculated using formulas:

[00001]$\mathrm{The}.Math..Math.\%.Math..Math.\mathrm{of}.Math..Math.\mathrm{cell}.Math..Math.\mathrm{viability}=\frac{\mathrm{Absorbance}.Math..Math.\mathrm{of}.Math..Math.\mathrm{treated}.Math..Math.\mathrm{cells}-\mathrm{Absorbance}.Math..Math.\mathrm{of}.Math..Math.\mathrm{Blank}}{\mathrm{Absorbance}.Math..Math.\mathrm{of}.Math..Math.\mathrm{control}.Math..Math.\mathrm{cells}-\mathrm{Absorbance}.Math..Math.\mathrm{of}.Math..Math.\mathrm{Blank}}\times 100$$\%.Math..Math.\mathrm{Growth}.Math..Math.\mathrm{inhibition}=100-\%.Math..Math.\mathrm{of}.Math..Math.\mathrm{cell}.Math..Math.\mathrm{viability}$

[0045] The results are summarized in Table 2. The 10-amino substituted compound 1g displayed promising antiproliferative activity in both cell lines (HCT-116, Colo-205) with IC.sub.50 values of 0.040 and 0.030 μM, respectively. The compound 1g showed better antiproliferative activity compared to natural product colchicine. The compounds exhibiting promising cytotoxicity in HCT-116 cells (IC.sub.50≦1 μM) along with complete loss of P-gp induction activity include 1g, and 1d.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Antiproliferative activities of colchicine and synthisized compounds (1a-1g) I [00013] HCT-116 Colo-205 Entry R (IC.sub.50, μM) (IC.sub.50, μM) 1 (Colchicine as standard-OCH.sub.3 control) 0.050 0.032 1a [00014] >10 8.0 1b [00015] 10 5.0 1c [00016] 4.0 3.0 1d [00017] 1.0 0.8 1e [00018] 10 8.0 1f [00019] 3.0 0.8 1g [00020] 0.040 0.030

Example 10. Effect of Compounds on Microtubules

[0046] For detection of tubulins, HCT-116 cells (1×10.sup.5 cells/well) were seeded on to 18 mm square cover slips in six well plates in complete medium. Cells were allowed to adhere for 24 h and were treated with respective concentrations of compounds 1, 1d and 1g for 24 h. After the treatment period, cells were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 10 min at room temperature and permeabilized using 0.5% Triton-X in PBS for 5 min. The cells were blocked with 10% goat serum for 20 min at room temperature. Microtubules were detected with a monoclonal α-tubulin antibody (Sigma, Catalogue number: T9026) diluted 1:100 in 0.1% Triton X-100 in PBS for 1 h at room temperature and Alexa Fluor 488 conjugated secondary antibody (Invitrogen) diluted 1:500 in PBS for 1 h at room temperature. Cells were then washed three times in PBS and stained with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI 1 μg/ml in PBS). The cover slips were mounted over glass slides and cells were imaged by a laser scanning confocal microscope (Olympus Fluoview FV1000). The promising candidates identified through P-gp screening and antiproliferative screening were further studied for tubulin polymerization inhibition activity. Colchicine (1), 10-amino linked derivative 1d and 1g were tested for their ability to show disruption of microtubule assembly using confocal microscopy. As shown in FIG. 3, the cells treated with colchicine (1), derivative 1d and 1g showed a remarkable disruption and loss of microtubules compared to the control.

Example 11. Determination of Thermodynamic Equilibrium Solubility

[0047] The compounds were first dissolved in methanol to prepare stock solutions (100 and 1000 μg/mL). Different concentrations of stock solutions were pipetted into the 96-well plates and the solvent was evaporated to ensure that solid drug was present in the beginning of the experiment. Thereafter, 200 μl of the dissolution medium was added to the wells and 96-well plate was shaken horizontally at 300 rpm (Eppendorf Thermoblock Adapter, North America) for 4 h at room temperature (25±1° C.). The plates were kept overnight for equilibration of drug in medium. Later, the plates were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min (Jouan centrifuge BR4i). Supernatant (50 μl) was pipetted into UV 96-well plates (Corning® 96 Well Clear Flat Bottom UV-Transparent Microplate) for analyses with plate reader (SpectraMax Plus384) at λ.sub.max of 350 nm. The analyses were performed in triplicate for each compound. The solubility curve of concentration (μg/mL) vs absorbance was plotted to find out saturation point and the corresponding concentration was noted.

[0048] The solubility of colchicine (1) and best compounds 1d and 1g were determined in biological medias such as phosphate buffer saline (PBS), simulated gastric fluid (SGF), and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Results are shown in Table 3.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Solubility of compounds 1, 1d and 1g in water, PBS, SGF and SIF Solubility in μg/mL Compound Water PBS SGF SIF 1 >1500 800 200 800 1d 80 80 >1500 20 1g >1500 >1500 >1500 >1500

Example 12. Pharmacokinetic Studies

[0049] Oral and intravenous (IV) pharmacokinetic studies of compound 1g were carried out in BALB/c male mice (Jubilant Biosys Limited, Bangalore) of age 4-6 weeks, by administering 1g orally and IV at dose of 10 mg/kg for oral and 1 mg/kg for IV. Plasma samples were collected at appropriate time points between the range of 0 hours to 24 hours and analyzed by LC-MS-MS. Mean plasma concentration calculated and data were further analyzed for PK parameters using WinNonlin 5.3 software package. Following oral administration, elimination half life (t.sub.1/2,β) was found to be 5.43 h and AUC.sub.0-t was found to be 16899 ng.Math.h/mL. Following IV administration, elimination half life (t.sub.1/2,β) was found to be 2.78 h and clearance was ˜6 mL/min/Kg. The absolute oral bioavailability was 64%. The pharmacokinetic parameters are summarized in Table 4 and 5.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Pharmacokinetic parameters of compound 1g post PO dose at 10 mg/Kg to BALB/c mice. Parameter Unit Value t.sub.1/2,β (h) 5.43 AUC.sub.0-t (ng .Math. h/mL) 16899 AUC.sub.0-∞ (ng .Math. h/mL) 17334 C.sub.max (ng/mL) 3031 t.sub.max (h) 2.00 Bioavailability (% F) 64.4 Time points considered 8-24 h for t.sub.1/2, β calculation:

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Pharmacokinetic parameters of compound 1g post IV dose at 1 mg/Kg to BALB/c mice. Parameter Unit Value t.sub.1/2, β (h) 2.78 C.sub.max (ng/mL) 698 C.sub.0 (ng/mL) 819 AUC.sub.0-t (ng .Math. h/mL) 2343 AUC.sub.0-∞ (ng .Math. h/mL) 2691 CL (mL/min/Kg) 6.19 V.sub.d (L/Kg) 1.49 V.sub.dss (L/Kg) 1.47 T.sub.last (h) 8.00 Time points considered 2-8 h for t.sub.1/2, β calculation C.sub.0 calculated manually using initial 3 time points t.sub.1/2,β: terminal half life; AUC.sub.0-t: the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to last measurable time point; AUC.sub.0-∞: area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity; C.sub.max: maximum observed plasma concentration; C.sub.0: extrapolated concentration at zero time point; CL: clearance; V.sub.d: volume of distribution; V.sub.dss: volume of distribution at steady state; T.sub.last: time at which last concentration was found; F: bioavailability.

Example 13. In Vivo Activity in Ehrlich Solid Tumor Model

[0050] Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells were collected from the peritoneal cavity of the swiss mice (animal house of IIIM registered eith CPCSEA; registration no. 67/99/CPCSEA) weighing 18-23 gm, harbouring 8-10 days old ascitic tumor. 1×10.sup.7 EAC cells were injected intramuscularly in the right thigh of 38 swiss male mice selected for the experiment on day 0. The next day, animals were randomized and divided into five groups. Four treatment groups contained 7 animals each and one control group contained 10 animals. Treatment was given as follows:

Group I: 1 (0.75 mg/kg, i/p) from day 1-9.
Group II: 1g (1 mg/kg, i/p) from day 1-9.

[0051] The third treatment group was treated with 5-fluorouracil (22 mg/kg, i/p) from day 1-9 and it served as positive control. The control group was similarly administered normal saline (0.2 ml, i/p) from day 1-9. On day 9 & 13, tumor bearing thigh of each animal was shaved and longest and shortest diameters of the tumor were measured with the help of vernier caliper. Tumor weight of each animal was calculated using the following formula.

[00002]$\mathrm{Tumor}.Math..Math.\mathrm{weight}.Math..Math.\left(\mathrm{mg}\right)=\frac{\mathrm{Length}.Math..Math.\left(\mathrm{mm}\right)\times {\left[\mathrm{width}.Math..Math.\left(\mathrm{mm}\right)\right]}^2}{2}$

[0052] The percent tumor growth inhibition was calculated on day 13 by comparing the average values of treated groups with that of control group. Tumor growth in saline treated control animals was taken to be 100%.

[0053] The results are summarized in Table 6. The compound 1g has shown promising activity at 1 mg/kg dose with 47.35% inhibition in tumor size compared to control. There is no mortality observed in the group treated with 4o. On the other hand, colchicine (1) has shown promising activity with 52.29% inhibition at 0.75 mg/kg dose but the mortality was observed in 2 animals in the group of 7 animals. However, colchicine (1) has shown toxicity at 1 mg/kg with mortality of 5 animals in the group of 7 animals. 5-Fluorouracil was used as positive control with 54.78% inhibition at dose 22 mg/kg. These results clearly indicate that our compound 1g has better safety profile compared to colchicine.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 In vivo activity of 1 and 1g in Ehrlich solid tumor model Avg. body weights (g) Day 13 % Tumor Treatment of animal on days Avg. body Avg. tumor Growth Groups 1 5 9 weights (g) weights (mg) Inhibition Mortality 1 (Colchicine, 22.28 21.40 20.2 19.25 705.0 52.29 2/7 standard control; 0.75 mg/kg, i/p) 1 (1 mg/kg, i/p)* Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd 5/7 1g (1 mg/kg, i/p) 22.28 22.0 21.28 21.66 778.0 47.35 0/7 5-Fluorouracil 22.42 22.28 19.4 19.4 668.2 54.78 0/7 (Positive control; 22 mg/kg, i/p) Normal Control 23.4 24.4 25.4 25.33 1477.94 —  0/10 NS (0.2 ml, i/p) *Colchicine (1) was toxic at 1 mg/kg with mortality of 5 animals in the group of 7 animals, therefore the tumor growth inhibition could not be determined.

Advantages of the Invention

[0054] The main advantages of the present invention are: [0055] Compounds of the invention showed better antiproliferative activity, both in vitro as well as in vivo than natural product colchicine. [0056] Compounds of the invention have significantly reduced P-gp substrate and induction liability compared to natural product colchicine. [0057] Compounds of the invention have better solubility in biological fluids PBS, SGF and SIF compared to natural product colchicine. [0058] Compounds of invention are not toxic as compared to natural product colchicine.