Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Metabolomics Validation of the Mechanism of Fructus Phyllanthi against Hyperlipidemia
Published on: April 7, 2023
Triterpenoid Components from Oak Heartwood (Quercus robur) and Their Potential Health Benefits
Andy J Pérez1,2, Łukasz Pecio1, Mariusz Kowalczyk1
1Department of Biochemistry and Crop Quality, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute , ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
Abstract:
For centuries oak wood (Quercus robur) has been used in aging of wines and spirits, which is based on pleasant flavors given to beverages by phenolics transferred to the liquid during the maturation process. Other metabolites, such as triterpenoids, can also be released. Searching for extractable triterpenoids in oak heartwood, 12 new, 1-12, and five known, 13-17, oleanane types were isolated and characterized. Their cytotoxicities were tested against cancer cells (PC3 and MCF-7) and lymphocytes. Breast cancer cells (MCF-7) were the most affected by triterpenoids, with roburgenic acid, 4, being the most active compound (IC50 = 19.7 μM). Selectivity was observed for compounds 1-3, 8, 9, and 16, exhibiting an IC50 > 200 μM against lymphocytes, while active against cancer cells. A galloyl unit attached to the triterpenoid moiety was established as the key feature for such effect. These results highlight the occurrence of triterpenoids in oak heartwood and their relevance for chemoprevention of breast cancer.
More Related Videos
14:39Semi-Targeted Ultra-High-Performance Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Phenolic Metabolites in Plasma of Elderly Adults
Published on: April 22, 2022
04:27Author Spotlight: Advantages of Pressure-Volume Loop Measurement Method in Cardiovascular Research
Published on: January 12, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Oxidation of Phenols to Quinones
o-hydroxy phenols are oxidized to o-quinones and p-hydroxy phenols to p-quinones. Such redox reactions involve the transfer of two electrons and two protons. The reversible redox...
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
Introduction to Wood
The structural integrity of the...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction