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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Transient Expression in Nicotiana Benthamiana Leaves for Triterpene Production at a Preparative Scale
Published on: August 16, 2018
Unprecedented rearranged triterpenoids with seven-membered rings from Camellia formosensis and structurally diverse
Shiou-Ling Li1, Yong-Han Hong2, Tsong-Long Hwang3,4,5,6
1School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University Kaohsiung 807378 Taiwan hschang@kmu.edu.tw hcwu@kmu.edu.tw.
Abstract:
Camellia formosensis is the only endemic Camellia species in Taiwan with established commercial cultivation. Despite its ecological importance and cultural prominence, the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of this species remain largely uncharacterized. This study fills this knowledge gap through systematic phytochemical investigation and comprehensive bioactivity profiling. Systematic phytochemical investigation of C. formosensis afforded ten structurally novel triterpenoids, cameterpenes A-J (1-10), together with eight known compounds (11-18). Notably, four of these new compounds (1-4) feature an unprecedented rearranged skeleton incorporating a seven-membered ring. X-ray crystallographic analysis (Cu Kα) provided conclusive evidence for the absolute configuration of 1, 7, and 9. ECD analysis supported the assignment of the absolute configurations of 2-4. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for compounds 1-4 is proposed, involving oxidative ring-opening followed by recyclization. Comprehensive bioactivity screening revealed structure-dependent pharmacological activities. Among the oleanane-type triterpenoids (12-14), 12 showed the strongest antiproliferative activity against Ca9-22 oral cancer cells (IC50: 20.11 ± 0.95 µg mL-1), 13 demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing superoxide anion generation in fMLP/CB-stimulated human neutrophils (IC50: 3.40 ± 1.19 µM), and 14 exhibited exceptional inhibition of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation (IC50: 18.6 nM) without cytotoxicity. Lupane-type triterpenoid 16 exhibited comparable anti-osteoclastogenic activity (IC50: 27.4 nM) without cytotoxicity. These activities collectively target the interconnected processes of oxidative stress and inflammation underlying bone loss, chronic inflammatory conditions, and cancer progression. The active triterpenoids offer integrated therapeutic potential against inflammation-driven pathologies. Overall, this study establishes C. formosensis as a promising source for the development of multifunctional pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals targeting inflammation-mediated diseases.
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