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Oleanolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid ubiquitously

Oleanolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid ubiquitously
From MDPI    Aug 1,2023

Oleanolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid ubiquitously present in the plant kingdom, is receiving outstanding attention from the scientific community due to its biological activity against multiple diseases. Oleanolic acid is endowed with a wide range of biological activities with therapeutic potential by means of complex and multifactorial mechanisms. There is evidence suggesting that oleanolic acid might be effective against dyslipidemia, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, through enhancing insulin response, preserving the functionality and survival of β-cells and protecting against diabetes complications. In addition, several other functions have been proposed, including antiviral, anti-HIV, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic activities, as well as interfering in several stages of the development of different types of cancer; however, due to its hydrophobic nature, oleanolic acid is almost insoluble in water, which has led to a number of approaches to enhance its biopharmaceutical properties. In this scenario, the present review aimed to summarize the current knowledge and the research progress made in the last years on the extraction and characterization of oleanolic acid and its biological activities and the underlying mechanisms of action.
Introduction
Oleanolic acid (OA) is a ubiquitous pentacyclic triterpenoid in the plant kingdom, often used as medicinal herbs, and is an integral part of the human diet. Only in the 2010–2021 period, the major international databases have recorded several thousand publications dealing with oleanolic acid (15,818 and 3261 entries for Scopus and PubMed, respectively), reflecting the great interest of the scientific community and the progress in the understanding of this biomolecule. These reports include the isolation and purification of the triterpene from a plethora of plants and herbs, the pharmacological research on its beneficial effects, bioavailability and toxicity studies and the clinical use of OA in the prevention of different pathologies, mainly those chronic disorders in which oxidative stress and inflammation are underlaying mechanisms. Furthermore, significant research has been developed on the chemical modification of its molecule to obtain more effective and soluble synthetic derivatives. This work shows an updated review of the main milestones achieved in the extraction and characterization of naturally occurring OA, and the latest contributions to the knowledge of its biological activity.
Oleanolic Acid Characterization
Function
Oleanolic acid is a natural triterpenoid compound found in various plants, including olive oil, garlic, and apples. It has been studied for its potential health benefits. Here are some of the known functions of oleanolic acid:
Anti-inflammatory effects: Oleanolic acid has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body. It can inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules and reduce the activity of certain inflammatory enzymes.
Antioxidant activity: Oleanolic acid exhibits antioxidant properties, which means it can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. By doing so, it may protect cells from oxidative stress and potential damage caused by free radicals.
Hepatoprotective effects: Oleanolic acid has shown hepatoprotective properties, meaning it may help protect the liver from damage and support its overall health. It can assist in the regeneration of liver cells, inhibit inflammation in the liver, and enhance liver function.
Anti-cancer potential: Studies have suggested that oleanolic acid may have anti-cancer properties. It has been found to inhibit the growth and proliferation of various cancer cells, including those associated with skin, breast, lung, colon, and liver cancers. It may work by interfering with cancer cell signaling pathways and inducing apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.
Anti-diabetic effects: Oleanolic acid has demonstrated potential in managing diabetes by helping regulate blood sugar levels. It can enhance insulin sensitivity, promote glucose uptake by cells, and inhibit certain enzymes involved in glucose production.
It's important to note that while oleanolic acid shows promise in these areas, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and determine its effectiveness in various health conditions.



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