Triterpene sapogenins with oleanene skeleton: chemotypes and biological activities.

Abstract

Critical survey of a selected class of pentacyclic triterpenes -the oleanane family, is presented based on current literature in order to underline their value for medicinal chemistry and drug development potential. Oleanenes may be considered as a renewable resource of valuable research materials which are structurally diverse, inherently biocompatible and have built-in affinity for many categories of functional proteins. Although availability of particular compounds from natural sources may be very low, synthetic methods elaborated by generations of chemists, secure a way to obtaining desirable structures from commercial starting materials.

Triterpenoids

“…Oleanane triterpenoids and their saponins have a wide range of pharmacological activities. [225][226][227] Oleanolic acid [228][229][230][231] and maslinic acid 232 have been well studied, particularly for their antitumour effects.…”

Recent Breakthroughs in the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Morella and Myrica Species

“…Pentacyclic triterpenoids are widespread through the plant kingdom and oleanane-type structures are commonplace [ 76 ]. Morella and Myrica genera proved to be no exception.…”

“…Although oleanane-type compounds are recognized as important scaffolds [ 76 ] the derivatives found in Morella / Myrica genus were almost inactive in the antioxidant evaluations performed.…”