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Friedelane-Type Triterpenoids from Maytenus quadrangulata as Potential Anticancer Agents
Mariana G Aguilar1, Sandy V M Quintão1, Túlio R Freitas2
1Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil.
ACS Omega
|June 8, 2026
Summary
This study isolated five new acetylated triterpenoids from Maytenus quadrangulata leaves. Compound 5 showed significant cytotoxic effects against K-562 leukemia cells, highlighting M. quadrangulata as a source of potential anti-cancer natural products.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The Maytenus genus is known for its pharmacological potential, but M. quadrangulata has limited phytochemical investigation.
- Previous studies identified triterpenes with cytotoxic effects from this genus.
- M. quadrangulata is a plant species endemic to the Atlantic Forest in Brazil.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize new acetylated triterpenoid derivatives from M. quadrangulata leaves.
- To evaluate the cytotoxic activity of isolated compounds against various cancer cell lines.
- To assess the antiviral and antifungal potential of the isolated compounds.
Main Methods:
- Acetylation of a triterpenoid mixture from M. quadrangulata chloroform leaf extract.
- Structural elucidation using spectroscopic (IR, NMR) and spectrometric (MS) techniques.
- Cytotoxicity assays on leukemia, breast cancer, and lung carcinoma cell lines; antiviral and antifungal screening.
Main Results:
- Five new acetylated triterpenoid derivatives (1-5) were isolated and characterized.
- Compound 5 exhibited pronounced cytotoxic activity against K-562 chronic myeloid leukemia cells.
- All tested compounds showed moderate cytotoxicity against A549 epithelial lung carcinoma cells.
- No significant antiviral or antifungal activity was observed.
Conclusions:
- The study characterized novel bioactive triterpenoids from M. quadrangulata.
- M. quadrangulata is a promising source of natural products with cytotoxic potential, particularly against leukemia.
- Further research into these triterpenoids could lead to new anti-cancer drug development.
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