6-(γ,γ-Dimethylallylamino)purine (Triacanthine), which is a plant growth substance, shows hypertensive and antitumor activity, also cardiotonic, antispasmodic and a respiratory analeptic.

6-(γ,γ-Dimethylallylamino)purinee significantly inhibited EJ cell proliferation (IC50 600μM). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that cells were arrested in the G1 phase, and apoptotic cells accumulated in the sub-G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner. 6-(γ,γ-Dimethylallylamino)purinee inhibited the G1-S transition by deterring complex formation between cyclin-dependent kinases and cyclins, thereby up-regulating cell cycle inhibitors p21WAF1 and p27KIP1.

In an in vivo study, 6-(γ,γ-Dimethylallylamino)purinee significantly limited growth of xenografted tumors. Interestingly, while cisplatin resulted in significant weight loss after a 5-mg/kg dose, 6-(γ,γ-Dimethylallylamino)purinee did not cause weight loss, behavioral abnormalities, altered biochemical parameters, or tissue staining. A single oral dose acute-toxicity test (6-(γ,γ-Dimethylallylamino)purinee 2,000mg/kg) produced no adverse cytotoxic effects via blood biochemical tests and tissue-organ staining.