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Anti-inflammatory actions of pentacyclic triterpenes.

Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) as aglycones of saponins have a wide distribution in plants, and many of them have been used as anti-inflammatory remedies in folk medicine. This survey critically reviews the effects of PTs on proinflammatory mediator signalling pathways and data from experimental animal models and clinical trials. Because the knowledge of their actions is far from being satisfactory a critical summary of the partly promising but mostly scattered and preliminary data might promote productive research on chances and risks of PTs. Antiproliferative and anti-infectious actions and effects on intracellular cell signalling and hormone metabolism are beyond the scope of this short review, although such effects might also contribute to the understanding of the systemic anti-inflammatory actions of aglycones.

Animals↗

Pentacyclic triterpenes. Part 1: the first examples of naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenes as a new class of inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylases.

The semi-synthesis, in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation of corosolic acid (1) and maslinic acid (2) are described. Compounds 1 and 2 represent a new class of inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylases. Both 1 and 2 inhibit the increase of fasted plasma glucose of diabetic mice induced by adrenaline. It is therefore proposed that naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenes 1 and 2 might reduce blood glucose, at least in part, through inhibiting hepatic glycogen degradation.

Animals↗

Analysis of pentacyclic triterpenic acids from frankincense gum resins and related phytopharmaceuticals by high-performance liquid chromatography. Identification of lupeolic acid, a novel pentacyclic triterpene.

An HPLC gradient method with photodiode array detection was developed for the simultaneous analysis of 12 different pentacyclic triterpenic acids in Indian and African frankincense gum resins as well as in related phytopharmaceuticals. The triterpenic acids were obtained by an exhaustive extraction procedure. Identification of the compounds was based on retention times, UV-spectra and add on technique with standards isolated from African frankincense. The method allows differentiation of frankincense of different origin and standardization of frankincense-based phytopharmaceuticals. Further, this is the first report identifying a novel pentacyclic triterpene, lupeolic acid, as a constituent of frankincense gum resins.

Boswellia↗

Inhibition of human leucocyte elastase by ursolic acid. Evidence for a binding site for pentacyclic triterpenes.

Several pentacyclic triterpenoid metabolites of plant origin are inhibitors of hydrolysis of both synthetic peptide substrates and elastin by human leucocyte elastase (HLE). Ursolic acid, the most potent of these compounds, has an inhibition constant of 4-6 microM for hydrolysis of peptide substrates in phosphate-buffered saline. With tripeptide and tetrapeptide substrates, the inhibition is purely competitive, whereas with a shorter dipeptide substrate the inhibition is non-competitive, suggesting that ursolic acid interacts with subsite S3 of the extended substrate-binding domain in HLE, but not with subsites S1 and S2. The carboxy group at position 28 in the pentacyclic-ring system of the triterpenes contributes to binding to HLE, since replacement of this group with a hydroxy group, as in uvaol, the alcohol analogue of ursolic acid, reduces the potency of inhibition. The inhibitory potency of ursolic acid is also reduced by addition of 1 M-NaCl, further supporting a postulated electrostatic interaction between the negative charge on the triterpene and a positively charged residue on the enzyme, which we assign to the side chain of Arg-217, located in the vicinity of subsites S4 and S5 in HLE. These observations are consistent with a binding site for ursolic acid which extends from S3 towards S4 and S5 on the enzyme. Other triterpenes, including oleanolic acid, erythrodiol, hederagenin and 18 beta-glycyrrhetic acid, can also interact with this binding site. On the basis of these results we conclude that the extended substrate-binding domain of HLE can accommodate a variety of hydrophobic ligands, including not only such molecules as fatty acids [Ashe & Zimmerman (1977) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 75, 194-199; Cook & Ternai (1988) Biol. Chem. Hoppe-Seyler 369, 629-637], but also polycyclic molecules such as the pentacyclic triterpenoids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Pentacyclic triterpenes from Euphorbia stygiana.

Two pentacyclic triterpenes, D-friedomadeir-14-en-3beta-yl acetate and D:C-friedomadeir-7-en-3beta-yl acetate, named madeiranyl acetate and isomadeiranyl acetate, respectively, were isolated from leaves of Euphorbia stygiana, together with the two known madeiranes, D-friedomadeir-14-en-3-one and D:C-friedomadeir-7-en-3-one, which were obtained from the stem bark. In addition, four known lupane and taraxerane-type triterpenes, namely lupenyl acetate, lupenone, taraxeryl acetate and taraxerone, were also isolated from the same source. Structures were elucidated by physical, chemical and spectroscopic methods (1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and mass spectra) and by comparison with literature data, and in the case of D:C-friedomadeir-7-en-3beta-yl acetate by X-ray analysis as well.

Euphorbia↗

Rhoiptelenol and rhoiptelenone, two pentacyclic triterpenes from Sideritis macrostachya.

The pentacyclic triterpenes rhoiptelenol and rhoiptelenone have been isolated from Sideritis macrostachya. Rhoiptelenone is a new natural compound, whose structure has been determined as D:B-friedo-urs-5-en-3-one. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of rhoiptelenol, rhoiptelenol acetate and glutinol have been reassigned. The natural occurrence of the D:B-friedo-ursene and D:B-friedo-oleanene derivatives has been examined.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy↗

Analysis of 12 different pentacyclic triterpenic acids from frankincense in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography and photodiode array detection.

For the determination of pentacyclic triterpenes of the boswellic acid family in human plasma a novel sensitive method was developed combining serial extraction on diatomaceous earth and graphitized carbon black followed by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and photodiode array detection. The overall average extraction yield of 12 different pentacyclic triterpenic acids was approximately 66%. The calibration graphs were linear with coefficients of correlation for all compounds greater than 0.999. The overall within-day and between-day coefficients of variation (CV) for the 12 pentacyclic triterpenic acids were 5.6 and 6.8%, respectively. This HPLC procedure delivers the analytical sensitivity, precision and accuracy required for clinical pharmacokinetic and therapeutic studies.

Boswellia↗

Cytotoxic pentacyclic triterpenes from Combretum nigricans.

A new pentacyclic triterpene, 11alpha-acetoxy-20,24-epoxy-25-hydroxy-dammar-3-one (1), has been isolated from the African tree Combretum nigricans, together with the known corresponding diol, 20,24-epoxy-11alpha, 25-dihydroxy-dammar-3-one (2). They are responsible, at least in part, for the cytotoxic activity of the methanolic extract of the plant.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Anti-trypanosomal activity of pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Austroplenckia populnea (Celastraceae).

Four pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Austroplenckia populnea and four compounds of known anti T. cruzi or anti-malarial activity were tested. Of those triterpenes tested 20alpha-hydroxy-tingenone showed high activity, epikatonic acid was less active, while populnilic and populninic acids were inactive against the trypanosome of the subgenus Schizotrypanum tested. Benzonidazole, nifurtimox, ketoconazole and primaquine presented a remarkable dose-dependent inhibitory effect reaching practically to a total growth inhibition of the parasite at the end of incubation time. The trypanosome tested appear to be a suitable model for preliminary screen for anti T. (S.) cruzi compounds.

Animals↗

Topical antiinflammatory effects of the ether extract from Protium kleinii and alpha-amyrin pentacyclic triterpene.

Protium kleinii (Burseraceae), a native Brazilian medicinal plant is claimed to be useful to treat some inflammatory states. Now we reported that topical application of either the ether extract or the main active constituent from P. kleinii the pentacyclic triterpene alpha-amyrin, all caused a dose-related inhibition of both ear oedema (ID50 values are 0.55 and 0.31 mg/ear, respectively) and influx of polymorphonuclear cells (ID50 values are 0.72 and 0.45 mg/ear, respectively) in response to topical application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-acetate (TPA) in the of mice ear. In terms of the efficacy, the maximal obtained inhibition for both ear oedema and neutrophil influx was very similar to that produced by the topical application of the steroidal antiinflammatory drug dexamethasone (DE; with inhibition of 70+/-5%, 66+/-3%, and 87+/-4% for oedema and 83+/-6%, 73+/-5%, and 91+/-3% for neutrophil influx, for the ether extract, alpha-amyrin, and dexamethasone, respectively). Likewise, both the ether extract and alpha-amyrin given topically dose-dependently prevented the increase of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta levels in response to topical application of TPA. The calculated mean ID50 values are 1.81 and 0.53 mg/ear, respectively. Again, the efficacy of the extract and alpha-amyrin was very similar to that produced by dexamethasone (63+/-6%, 61+/-5%, and 74+/-5%, respectively). In marked contrast to phenidone, a lipo and cyclooxygenase inhibitor, neither the ether extract nor the alpha-amyrin inhibited arachidonic acid-mediated ear oedema in mice. Collectively, these results indicate that the active constituents present in the ether extract of P. kleinii including the pentacyclic triterpene alpha-amyrin are good candidates to develop a skin permeable antiinflammatory drug.

Administration, Topical↗

Rabbit and human liver contain a novel pentacyclic triterpene ester with acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitory activity.

Acyl-coenzyme A (CoA):cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) catalyzes the intracellular fatty acid esterification of cholesterol and is thought to play a key role in lipoprotein metabolism and atherogenesis. Herein we describe the purification and characterization of a novel pentacyclic triterpene ester from rabbit liver that has ACAT inhibitory activity. The inhibitor was purified by a combination of silicic acid chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography. The compound inhibited both rabbit and rat liver microsomal ACAT activity with an IC50 = 20 microM. The lipid did not inhibit fatty acid incorporation into triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, or phospholipids nor did it inhibit plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity. However, rat liver microsomal acyl-CoA:retinol acyltransferase activity was inhibited by the terpene ester. Kinetic data are consistent with a mechanism in which ACAT is inhibited by the compound in an irreversible manner. The subcellular fractionation pattern of both ACAT activity and the ACAT inhibitor were similar in rabbit liver (both were approximately equally distributed in membranes that pelleted at 10,000 X g and 100,000 X g). A lipid with similar properties to the rabbit liver inhibitor was found in many other rabbit tissues, including adrenal and spleen, as well as in human liver. Rat liver did not contain this lipid. Structural analysis by NMR, mass spectrometry, and x-ray crystallography indicated that the rabbit liver inhibitor was a fatty acid ester (mostly stearate) of a pentacyclic triterpene acid. The carbon skeleton of the triterpene moiety is a new member of the olean-12-ene triterpene family. Both the negatively charged carboxylic acid group of the triterpene moiety and the esterified fatty acid group were necessary for the ACAT-inhibitory activity of the triterpene ester. Lastly, we present preliminary data which, together with the structural homology of the rabbit triterpene with known plant compounds, suggest the hypothesis that the triterpene moiety of the rabbit ACAT inhibitor arises from dietary absorption of a plant triterpene.

Animals↗

Effect of lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpene, on urinary enzymes in hyperoxaluric rats.

Investigations were undertaken to study the role of lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpene from Crataeva nurvala stem bark, in calcium oxalate experimental rat urolithiasis. A 2% solution of ammonium oxalate was administered by gastric intubation for inducing hyperoxaluric condition in adult male rats of Wistar strain. The duration of treatment was for 15 days. This resulted in increased urinary excretion of oxalate associated with reduction in citrate and glycosaminoglycans. The urinary marker enzymes which indicate renal tissue damage namely--lactate dehydrogenase, inorganic pyrophosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl beta-D glucosaminidase were found to be elevated. Lupeol administration (25 mg/kg body weight/day) reduced significantly the renal excretion of oxalate. It also reduced the extent of renal tubular damage as evidenced from the decreased levels of the above enzymes in urine. Such a reduction is likely to be beneficial in minimizing the deposition of stone-forming constituents in the kidney which provides antilithic effect.

Animals↗

Pentacyclic triterpenes with selective bioactivity from Sebastiania adenophora leaves, Euphorbiaceae.

Six known pentacyclic triterpenes possessing oleanane, lupane, or taraxerane-type skeletons were isolated from the leaves of Sebastiania adenophora (Euphorbiaceae) and are reported for the first time in this species. These compounds include 3-epi-beta-amyrin, beta-amyrinone, 3-epi-lupeol, lupenone, taraxerol, and taraxerone. Structures were elucidated by comparison with literature data. The bioactivities of these compounds were tested on the root growth of Amaranthus hypochondriacus, amaranth (Amaranthaceae), Lycopersicon esculentum, tomato (Solanaceae), and Echinochloa crus-galli, barnyard grass (Poaceae). All six triterpenes were selectively bioactive. An important stimulatory effect was observed on amaranth root growth (23% to 56%) for almost all tested triterpenes (250 microg/ml). These triterpenes significantly inhibited the root growth of barnyard grass (28% to 78%) and tomato (23% to 49%). Aqueous leachate and organic extracts of S. adenophora leaves significantly inhibited the root growth of all test species. The possible ecological role of the allelochemicals isolated is discussed.

Euphorbiaceae↗

Effect of lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpene, on the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in rat kidney after chronic cadmium exposure.

This study pertains to the role of lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpene, against the toxic manifestations of chronic cadmium exposure. Cadmium is a potent nephrotoxin on prolonged exposure. Cadmium (as cadmium chloride) at a dose of 1 mg kg(-1) body weight was administered subcutaneously for 15 days to rats. This led to an increase in the level of lipid peroxides and a decrease in the level of antioxidants in the kidney. Lupeol, when supplemented at a dosage of 40 mg kg(-1) body weight concurrent with cadmium administration, showed an improvement in the antioxidant status. The level of lipid peroxides also showed a significant decrease, which shows the nephroprotective action of the drug.

Animals↗

Differentiation- and apoptosis-inducing activities by pentacyclic triterpenes on a mouse melanoma cell line.

In a study to investigate the relationship between the chemical structure and the differentiation-inducing activity of pentacyclic triterpenes, several lupane, oleanane, and ursane triterpenes were prepared and their effects on B16 2F2 melanoma cell differentiation and growth were examined. Eleven lupane triterpenes used in this study acted on the melanoma cells as a melanogen, but no induction of melanogenesis of B16 2F2 cells by oleanane and ursane was detected. The differences at C-17 of the lupane series and acetylation of the OH group at C-3 did not markedly influence their activities. However, the ED(50) value for up-regulation of melanin biosynthesis was markedly decreased by the oxidation of the OH group at C-3 of lupeol (1). Betulinic acid (11), its methyl ester (12), lup-28-al-20(29)-ene-3beta-ol (9), and lup-28-al-20(29)-en-3-one (10) inhibited B16 2F2 cell proliferation by induction of apoptosis. These findings suggested that the carbonyl group at C-17 might be essential for the apoptotic effects of these compounds on B16 2F2 cells.

Animals↗

A novel derivative pentacyclic triterpene and omega 3 fatty acid.

Adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA) is accompanied by marked changes in the levels of lysosomal enzymes, glycoproteins and metabolic turnover of collagen. The role of a pentacyclic triterpene and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) derivative--Lupeol-EPA (50 mg/kg body weight--orally) was tested in vivo in rats. The increased activities of lysosomal enzymes and glycoproteins associated with decreased collagen in arthritic animals were significantly altered to nearly that of controls. Indomethacin (3 mg/kg body weight) was used as a reference compound. The therapeutic usefulness of Lupeol-EPA derivative in inflammatory conditions is attractive and deserves further work in this direction.

Animals↗

Pentacyclic triterpene 5-phenylpenta-2,4-dienoyl esters from Peltastes peltatus (Vell.) Woodson.

Two new pentacyclic triterpene esters, peltastine A [3beta-[5-phenyl-(2E,4E)-penta-2,4-dienoyloxy]-urs-12-ene] and peltastine B [3beta-[5-phenyl-(2E,4E)-penta-2,4-dienoyloxy]-lup-20(29)-ene], have been isolated from the stem of Peltastes peltatus (Vell.) Woodson along with the previously reported beta-amyrin juarezate [3-[5-phenyl-(2E,4E)-penta-2,4-dienoyloxy]-olean-12-ene]. The structures of these compounds were established by MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments as well as by chemical degradation.

Apocynaceae↗

Oleanolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene attenuates capsaicin-induced nociception in mice: possible mechanisms.

The anti-inflammatory pentacyclic triterpene, oleanolic acid (OA) was examined on acute nociception induced by intraplantar injection of capsaicin in mice. OA administered orally to mice at 10, 30 and 100 mgkg(-1), significantly attenuated the paw-licking response to capsaicin (1.6 microg/paw) by 53%, 68.5% and 36.6%, respectively. Ruthenium red (3 mgkg(-1), s.c.), a non-competitive vanilloid receptor (V1, TRPV1)-antagonist also suppressed the capsaicin nociception by 38.6%. The maximal antinociception produced by 30 mgkg(-1) OA was significantly blocked in animals pre-treated with naloxone (2 mgkg(-1), i.p.), the opioid antagonist; l-arginine (600 mgkg(-1), i.p.), the substrate for nitric oxide synthase; or glibenclamide (2 mgkg(-1), i.p.), the K(ATP)-channel blocker, but was unaffected by yohimbine (2 mgkg(-1), i.p.), an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist. In open-field and rota-rod tests that detect motor deficits, mice received 30 mgkg(-1) OA did not manifest any effect per se, indicating that the observed antinociception is not a consequence of motor abnormality. These data suggest that OA inhibits capsaicin-evoked acute nociception due to mechanisms possibly involving endogenous opioids, nitric oxide, and K(ATP)-channel opening.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗