*2.3. Biological Activities of Compounds* **1**–**5**

The new compounds (**1**–**5**) were evaluated for their cytotoxicity to a panel of selected mammalian cancer and noncancer cell lines (SK-MEL, KB, BT-549, SK-OV-3, LLC-PK1, and Vero cells). None of the compounds exhibited cytotoxic effects. All compounds were ineffective at inhibiting the growth of the pathogenic microorganisms including three fungi (*C. albicans*, *C. neoformans*, and *A. fumigates*) and five bacteria (*S. aureus*, methicillin-resistant *S. aureus*, *E. coli*, *P. aeruginosa*, and *M. intracellulare*). In addition, the in vitro antileishmanial activity testing revealed that the compounds were not effective against *L. donavani*. Even though the preliminary biological data of these interesting class of compounds are not encouraging, further biological studies on this class of compounds concerning other biological targets, as well as SAR and medicinal properties need to be further investigated. In addition to biological activities, probing the comparative physicochemical properties of these polymeric compounds against monomeric atractylon might provide additional scientific rationale behind the traditional processes associated with polyherbal formulations.
