Five terpenoids from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii and their cytotoxicity

Fitoterapia. 2021 Oct:154:105017. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.105017. Epub 2021 Aug 18.

Abstract

One undescribed tetracyclic triterpene (boswellicarin A), four undescribed pentacyclic triterpenes (boswellicarterins A-C) and one undescribed prenylaromadendrane-type diterpene (boscarterin A) were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii Birdw. (Burseraceae). Their structures were elucidated from NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic data and ECD spectra. Boswellicarterins A-C and boscarterin A displayed weak and selective cytotoxicity against three human cancer cells (HepG2, A549 and MCF-7) by MTT assay.

Keywords: Boswellia carterii Birdw. (Burseraceae); Cytotoxicity; Gum resin; Structure elucidation; Terpenoids.

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / isolation & purification
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Boswellia / chemistry*
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Molecular Structure
  • Phytochemicals / isolation & purification
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology
  • Resins, Plant / chemistry
  • Terpenes / isolation & purification
  • Terpenes / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Phytochemicals
  • Resins, Plant
  • Terpenes