Abstract
Derivatives (1–15) of steroidal and indole class were synthesized using different strategies. These compounds were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and EI-MS, respectively. The synthetic derivatives were examined for their cytotoxic effects on human adenocarcinoma cells (HCT-116) using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and morphometric analysis. The cytotoxic effects of all the compounds were observed after 48 h treatment and it was found that out of fifteen, four compounds 1, 2, 3, and 14 showed inhibitory action on the cancer cells. We have calculated the IC50 values for compounds 1, 2, 3, and 14 which were 22.50 µg/mL, 55.65 µg/mL, 21.35 µg/mL and 58.50 µg/mL, respectively. The compounds 3 (IC50 = 21.35 µg/mL) and 1 (IC50 = 22.50 µg/mL) showed highest inhibitory activities as compared to compounds 2 (IC50 = 55.65 µg/mL) and 14 (IC50 = 58.50 µg/mL). These results suggested that steroidal thiazole and indole derivatives are potent lead molecules having strong anti-cancer proliferative capabilities.