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Ursolic Acid and Its Derivatives as Bioactive Agents
Sithenkosi Mlala1, Adebola Omowunmi Oyedeji2, Mavuto Gondwe3
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 1, 2019
Summary
Ursolic acid (UA) and its derivatives from medicinal plants show promise for treating non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Research focuses on enhancing UA
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Medicinal Plant Research
Background:
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose significant global health threats.
- Existing drug resistance and side effects necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
- Medicinal plants offer a rich source of potential NCD treatments, particularly pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest research on ursolic acid (UA) and its derivatives for NCD management.
- To explore the sources, chemistry, biological activities, and clinical applications of UA-based compounds.
- To highlight the potential of UA derivatives in overcoming limitations of native UA.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies published in the last decade.
- Analysis of chemical modifications of ursolic acid (UA) at key positions (C-3, C12-C13, C-28).
- Evaluation of reported biological effects and clinical trial data for UA and its derivatives.
Main Results:
- Ursolic acid (UA) exhibits diverse biological effects including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties.
- Medicinal plants like *Mimusops caffra*, *Ilex paraguarieni*, and *Glechoma hederacea* are identified as key sources of UA.
- Chemical modifications have yielded UA derivatives with improved potency, bioavailability, and solubility, enhancing their therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- Ursolic acid (UA) and its synthesized derivatives represent promising therapeutic agents for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully establish the efficacy and safety of UA derivatives in NCD treatment.
- Overcoming UA's bioavailability challenges through chemical modification is crucial for its clinical translation.
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