Ursolic acid:Actions,Commonly Known Benefit and Research.

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Pentacyclic Triterpenes (PCTs) as Inhibitors of Inflammation.

Loquat Leaf extract.Glossy privet leaf Extract.Ligustrum Lucidum Extract.Loquat Leaf extract.Glossy privet leaf Extract.EINECS ELINCS No.:Ursolic acid.201-034-0,CAS 223749-57-3 Ursolic acid.77-52-1.Loquat Leaf extract.Pentacyclic Triterpenes photo picture image Pentacyclic triterpenes (PCTs) are a subdivision of an important group of botanical active constituents known as triterpenoids; when complexed with sugar molecules PCTs are called triterpene glycosides, or saponins. Several of the PCTs have inhibitory action for the COX and/or LOX enzymes. Two of the most widely occurring and intensively investigated pentacyclic triterpenes are ursolic acid and its isomer oleanolic acid; their chemical formulas are identical, and their structures differ only by the location of a methyl group (CH3), as displayed at the top of the structure diagrams below. These substances are of considerable interest for potential health benefits, including protective effects against development of cancer, inhibition of existing tumor cells, protection against chemotherapy and radiation therapy adverse effects, anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity, cardiovascular protective effects, and antiviral effects. Several medicinal herbs that contain oleanolic acid, such as ligustrum, forsythia, and swertia, are remedies employed in China for the treatment of hepatitis. Isolated oleanolic acid has already been used in China as a treatment for hepatitis for many years. Ursolic acid is known for its ability to inhibit skin inflammation; in China it is also used as a topical protectant against skin cancer.

 These compounds are synthesized in plants from squalene, a compound in which there are no closed carbon rings, but which has the basis for developing five ring (pentacyclic) compounds. Ursolic acid was named after the herb Uva Ursi (bearberry; urs is the root term for bear). Oleanolic acid was named for the olive (olea is the root term for olive), which is rich in this compound; there is a plant family called the Oleanaceae, whose members usually contain oleanolic acid. In general, plants that contain ursolic acid also contain oleanolic acid and vice versa.

 Ursolic acid and oleanolic acid form a waxy coating that is found on some plant leaves and fruits. For example, Ligustrum trees (in the Oleanaceae family) are commonly called wax trees because of these components. Ursolic acid is one of the main waxy components on apples that contributes to the smooth, shiny appearance (not to be confused with waxes sometimes added to aid storage of fruits). Squalene (left) is found in some foods, mainly concentrated in oils, such as olive oil, wheat germ oil, and bran oil (about 0.5% of the oil). The most abundant source of squalene is the liver of deep sea sharks (up to 85% squalene in liver oil). Squalene from shark livers is sold in capsules as a dietary supplement that is claimed by proponents to enhance immune functions and reduce inflammation.
 Loquat Leaf extract.Glossy privet leaf Extract.Ligustrum Lucidum Extract.Loquat Leaf extract.Glossy privet leaf Extract.EINECS ELINCS No.:Ursolic acid.201-034-0,CAS 223749-57-3 Ursolic acid.77-52-1.Loquat Leaf extract.Pentacyclic Triterpenes photo picture image

 The pentacyclic triterpenes are subdivided into several groups, such as the following:
 Oleanane: oleanolic acid, ginsenosides (glycoside form), fusidic acid;
 Ursane: amyrin, ursolic acid, asiatic acid, boswellic acid; and
 Lupane: lupeol, betulin, betulinic acid

 Of these, PCTs other than oleanolic and ursolic acid that have received considerable attention are boswellic acid (from frankincense, the resin of Boswellia serrata); asiatic acid (from gotu kola, the aerial part of Centella asiatica), and betulinic acid (from birch trees, the bark of Betula spp.). Their pharmacology is similar to that of oleanolic and ursolic acid. For example, all are being investigated for anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer effects.
 Loquat Leaf extract.Glossy privet leaf Extract.Ligustrum Lucidum Extract.Loquat Leaf extract.Glossy privet leaf Extract.EINECS ELINCS No.:Ursolic acid.201-034-0,CAS 223749-57-3 Ursolic acid.77-52-1.Loquat Leaf extract.Pentacyclic Triterpenes photo picture image

 Sources of Oleanolic Acid and Ursolic Acid:
 Chinese natural products manufacturers are now making high concentrations of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid for formulation in various internal and topical remedies. The technical extracts contain from 25% to 99% pure compound. By contrast, standard herb extracts (e.g., hot water extracts) have up to 2.0-2.5% of ursolic or oleanolic acid (commonly obtained from holy basil, Ocimum sanctum, a common ingredient in Ayurvedic formulas). Plants rich in ursolic acid include Greek sage (Salvia triloba), oleander, rosemary, lavender, and thyme (each having at least 1% ursolic acid in the leaf or whole plant)

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citations1.Ursolic acid:Actions,Commonly Known Benefit and Research.

last edit date:7th,May.2009.