A series of benzo-annulated derivatives of tryptanthrin were prepared and their optical and redox properties were studied. Tryptanthrin and its benzo-annulated derivatives showed selective inhibitory activity on topo I with an increase of activity on topo II by benzo- annulation on quinazolin-4 (3H)-one moiety. Although the benzo-annulation on quinazolin-4 (3H)-one ring did not affect significantly on the inhibitory activities against topo I and II, the ...