The Occurrence and Biological Activity of Tormentic Acid—A Review

Abstract

This review focuses on the natural sources and pharmacological activity of tormentic acid (TA; 2α,3β,19α-trihydroxyurs-2-en-28-oic acid). The current knowledge of its occurrence in various plant species and families is summarized. Biological activity (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-osteoarthritic, antinociceptive, antioxidative, anti-melanogenic, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic) confirmed in in vitro and in vivo studies is compiled and described. Biochemical mechanisms affected by TA are indicated. Moreover, issues related to the biotechnological methods of production, effective eluents, and TA derivatives are presented.

Phytochemicals Determination, and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Activities of Blackberry Fruits

“…Furthermore, it has been shown to be neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory [ 47 ]. Tormentic acid has also shown biological activity with anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, cardioprotective, anti-cancer and antimicrobial effects, among others [ 48 ]. In general, it can be stated that pentacyclic triterpenes (and ursane derivatives in particular) have demonstrated pleiotropic activity, being useful as phytochemicals against several diseases [ 18 , 49 ].…”

Bioactive constituents from Mesona chinensis: Chemical evidence for its antihyperuricemic activity

“…Moreover, compounds 2 – 4 , 6 , 7 , and 12 could be converted to active metabolites rosmarinic acid ( 1 ) (from 2 to 4) , lithospermic acid A ( 5 ) ( from 6 and 7 ), and isoquercitrin (11 ) (from 12 ) in GI tract by hydrolytic enzymes and/or microflora to show anti‐XO activity. Besides anti‐XO activity, rosmarinic acid ( 1 ) possessing antioxidative, antiinflammatory, [ 27,28 ] and hypoglycemic effect, [ 29 ] lithopermic acid A ( 5 ) showing anti‐inflammation, [ 24 ] lithospermic acid B ( 6 ) and its methyl ester ( 7 ) showing antioxidative and antiinflammatory effect, [ 30 ] and tormentic acid ( 14 ) possessing antiinflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardio‐ and hepato‐protective, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiparasitic activities [ 31 ] have been reported.…”

Natural Compounds for Counteracting Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Advantages and Limitations of the Suggested Candidates

“…Tormentic acid (TA) is a compound classified as a pentacyclic triterpene that is widely distributed in various plants and exhibits many pharmacological activities. It is also known as 2α,3β,19α-trihydroxyurs-2-en-28-oic acid (IUPAC name: (1R,2R,4aS,6aR,6aS,6bR,8aR,10R,11R,12aR,14bS)-1,10,11-trihydroxy-1,2,6a,6b,9,9,12a-heptamethyl-2,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylic acid), and the TA skeleton is composed of six isoprene units (C5) [ 58 , 59 ]. TA has been isolated in various plant foods such as strawberry fruit, olive, and the leaves of Perilla frutescens , Eriobotrya japonica Lindl, and Potentilla tormentilla , Potentilla chinensis , and Sarcopoterium spinosum .…”

“…TA has been isolated in various plant foods such as strawberry fruit, olive, and the leaves of Perilla frutescens , Eriobotrya japonica Lindl, and Potentilla tormentilla , Potentilla chinensis , and Sarcopoterium spinosum . The majority of the species containing an abundant TA source belong to the Rosaceae family, mostly in the leaves and whole herbs [ 58 , 60 ]. This compound was found to possess various pharmacological properties, including hepatoprotective effects.…”