A review of structural modification and biological activities of oleanolic acid

Chin J Nat Med. 2024 Jan;22(1):15-30. doi: 10.1016/S1875-5364(24)60559-5.

Abstract

Oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. Since its initial isolation and identification, numerous studies have reported on the structural modifications and pharmacological activities of OA and its derivatives. Despite this, there has been a dearth of comprehensive reviews in the past two decades, leading to challenges in subsequent research on OA. Based on the main biological activities of OA, this paper comprehensively summarized the modification strategies and structure-activity relationships (SARs) of OA and its derivatives to provide valuable reference for future investigations into OA.

Keywords: Biological activities.; Derivatives; Oleanolic acid; Pentacyclic triterpenoid; Structural modification.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Oleanolic Acid*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Triterpenes*

Substances

  • Oleanolic Acid
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Triterpenes
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents