TRAIL-enhancing activity of Erythrinan alkaloids from Erythrina velutina.

A new Erythrinan alkaloid (1), erythodine N-oxide, was isolated from the seeds of Erythrina velutina together with seven known Erythrinan alkaloids (2-7, 9) and an indole alkaloid (8). The structure of new compound (1) was elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Six of the nine compounds showed enhanced activity when combined with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Erysotrine (4) did not show cytotoxic activity by itself, but exhibited significant cytotoxicity when combined with TRAIL.