The invention concerns the use of bis-anthracene compounds isolated from Karwinskia humboldtiana in therapy. The compounds of the invention are selective with a high margin of safety relative to malignant tumor cells and therefore are suitable in particular in the treatment of liver, lung and colon carcinomas and further in the treatment of viral diseases.
Compounds of formula I or II are provided, wherein R.sub.1-R.sub.8 are defined herein, and pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing these compounds. Also provided are methods of inducing contraception, providing hormone replacement therapy, treating cycle-related symptoms, or treating or preventing benign or malignant neoplastic disease using the compounds of formula I, formula II, or formula III, wherein R.sub.1-R.sub.9 are defined herein: ##STR00001##
Compounds of formula I, wherein R.sub.1-R.sub.9 and n are defined herein, and pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing these compounds are provided. ##STR00001## Also provided are methods of inducing contraception, providing hormone replacement therapy, treating cycle-related symptoms, or treating or preventing benign or malignant neoplastic disease using the compounds of formula I or formula II, wherein R.sub.3-R.sub.5, R.sub.10, and R.sub.11 are defined herein. ##STR00002##
