Thaspine, also known as NSC 135784, is a natural compound and a potent topoisomerase IB inhibitor. Taspine downregulates VEGF expression and inhibits proliferation of vascular endothelial cells through PI3 kinase and MAP kinase signaling pathways. Taspine isolated from Radix et Rhizoma Leonticis inhibits proliferation and migration of endothelial cells as well as chicken chorioallantoic membrane neovascularisation. Croton lechleri sap and isolated alkaloid taspine exhibit inhibition against human melanoma SK23 and colon cancer HT29 cell lines.
