Abstract
Detailed chemical investigation of Withania somnifera roots resulted in the isolation and identification of a cytotoxic and hepatoprotective agent, palmitic acid (1), which was converted to eight semi-synthetic ester derivatives 2–9. t-Butyl palmitate (8) and amyl palmitate (9) were 4–6 times more active than 1 against adherent and suspension colon cancer cell lines. Interestingly, palmitic acid (1) and its ester derivatives 2–9 also showed hepatoprotective activity which is being reported for the first time.