Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Berberine Derivatives Bearing 4-Aryl-1-Piperazine Moieties

Piperazine moieties with disubstituted N-aryl groups are linked to the isoquinoline alkaloid, berberine, through a pentyloxy side chain, replacing its 9-methoxyl group. The nine synthesised compounds are screened for antioxidant potency, in vitro anticancer activities against Hela and Caski cervical cancer cell lines and for cytotoxicity towards Malin Darby canine kidney cell lines. Several compounds demonstrate significant antioxidant potency and most of the compounds exhibit equipotent, or better, anticancer activity when compared to berberine.