Protostane and fusidane triterpenes: a mini-review

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Phytochemistry

Background:

• Protostane triterpenes are tetracyclic compounds found primarily in the Alismataceae family, with 59 known structures.
• These compounds exhibit various biological activities, including hepatoprotective, antiviral, and anticancer effects.
• Fusidanes, fungal 29-nor protostanes, possess antibiotic properties, with fusidic acid being a clinically used example.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the plant and fungal sources of protostane and fusidane triterpenes.
• To elucidate their structural and spectral characteristics.
• To discuss their biological activities and biogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of protostane and fusidane triterpenes.
• Analysis of structural elucidation and spectral data.
• Discussion of biological activities and biosynthetic pathways.

Main Results:

• Compilation of 59 known protostane structures from various plant genera.
• Identification of diverse biological activities, including anticancer and antiviral properties.
• Characterization of fusidanes with antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA.

Conclusions:

• Protostanes and fusidanes represent important classes of natural products with significant therapeutic potential.
• Further research into their biogenesis may lead to novel synthetic strategies and drug development.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview for researchers in natural product chemistry and medicinal chemistry.