Pentacyclic Triterpene Profile and Its Biosynthetic Pathway in Cecropia telenitida as a Prospective Dietary Supplement

Abstract

Promising research over the past decades has shown that some types of pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) are associated with the prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D), especially those found in foods. The most abundant edible sources of PTs are those belonging to the ursane and oleanane scaffold. The principal finding is that Cecropia telenitida contains abundant oleanane and ursane PT types with similar oxygenation patterns to those found in food matrices. We studied the compositional profile of a rich PT fraction (DE16-R) and carried out a viability test over different cell lines. The biosynthetic pathway connected to the isolated PTs in C.telenitida offers a specific medicinal benefit related to the modulation of T2D. This current study suggests that this plant can assemble isobaric, positional isomers or epimeric PT. Ursane or oleanane scaffolds with the same oxygenation pattern are always shared by the PTs in C. telenitida, as demonstrated by its biosynthetic pathway. Local communities have long used this plant in traditional medicine, and humans have consumed ursane and oleanane PTs in fruits since ancient times, two key points we believe useful in considering the medicinal benefits of C. telenitida and explaining how a group of molecules sharing a closely related scaffold can express effectiveness.

Pharmacokinetic assessment and phytochemical triterpene control from Cecropia angustifolia using plant biotechnology

“…More than one band was identified for m/z 471 and 487, as reported by our group, because this plant is able to biosynthesize isobaric PT from positional isomer structures. 6 In Figure 2D, the chemical profile is identical from that of in vitro material, despite slight differences in concentration, indicating we developed a reliable approach for chemical control and for the production of homogeneous material.…”

“…The [M‐H] − ion at m / z 471 represents molecules like hederagenic and 20‐hydroxy‐ursolic acids. The precursors of the mentioned molecules come from less oxidized oleanyl and ursanyl [M‐H] − cations at m / z 455, representing oleanolic and ursolic acids 6 …”

“…The precursors of the mentioned molecules come from less oxidized oleanyl and ursanyl [M-H] À cations at m/z 455, representing oleanolic and ursolic acids. 6 Analysis and quantification were carried out in a UPLC-SQD2 Waters ® mass spectrometer. Chromatographic conditions for the separation of multiple metabolites were established previously.…”

“…Preclinical evaluations of these molecules suggest that they exert positive effects on metabolic and vascular diseases where inflammation plays a pivotal role 4 . Our group has been focusing on the Cecropia genus due to its high levels of oleanane and ursane pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs), which are associated with the modulation of type 2 diabetes 5–7 . Despite the use of Cecropia herbal products in folk medicine, no reference material is available, which hinders quality evaluation.…”

“…4 Our group has been focusing on the Cecropia genus due to its high levels of oleanane and ursane pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs), which are associated with the modulation of type 2 diabetes. [5][6][7] Despite the use of Cecropia herbal products in folk medicine, no reference material is available, which hinders quality evaluation.…”