Advances in the Semi-Synthesis of Triterpenoids

Recent achievements in triterpenoid semi-synthesis are discussed in this short review, which is divided into three parts according to the type of synthetic strategy being employed. These strategies include functionalization, modification of the carbon skeleton, and glycosylation. In the section on functionalization strategies, both functional group interconversions and new functional group installations on triterpenoid starting materials are described. The section on modification of the carbon skeleton is divided into three parts according to the tactic being applied, and incorporates rearrangement of the carbon skeleton, ring scission, and introduction of an additional heterocyclic ring. Meanwhile, in the section on glycosylation, notable achievements in the semi-synthesis of both natural and artificial triterpene saponins are discussed. Overall, the pivotal transformations that have brought about striking chemical structure variations of triterpenoid starting materials are highlighted herein, and it is hoped that this short review will provide inspiration to both established and new investigators engaged in this field of research.

1 Introduction

2 Semi-Synthesis of Triterpenoids via Functionalization Strategies

2.1 Functionalization of Rings with Functional Groups

2.2 Functionalization of a Side Chain

2.3 Functionalization of Rings without Existing Functional Groups

2.4 Functionalization of Angular Methyl Groups

2.5 Functionalization of Angular Methyl Groups and Functional-Group-Free Rings

2.6 Multisite Modifications

3 Semi-Synthesis of Triterpenoids via C-Skeleton Modification Strategies

3.1 Rearrangement Tactics

3.2 Ring-Opening Tactics

3.3 Additional Ring Introduction Tactics

4 emi-Synthesis of Triterpenoids via a Glycosylation Strategy

5 Conclusions and Outlook

Dammarane-type leads panaxadiol and protopanaxadiol for drug discovery: Biological activity and structural modification

Based on the definite therapeutic benefits, such as neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anticancer, anti-diabetic and so on, the Panax genus which contains many valuable plants, including ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), notoginseng (Panax notoginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), attracts research focus. Actually, the biological and pharmacological effects of the Panax genus are mainly attributed to the abundant ginsenosides. However, the low membrane permeability and the gastrointestinal tract influence seriously limit the absorption and bioavailability of ginsenosides. The acid or base hydrolysates of ginsenosides, 20 (R,S)-panaxadiol and 20 (R,S)-protopanaxadiol showed improved bioavailability and diverse pharmacological activities. Moreover, relative stable skeletons and active hydroxyl group at C-3 position and other reactive sites are suitable for structural modification to improve biological activities. In this review, the pharmacological activities of panaxadiol, protopanaxadiol and their structurally modified derivatives are comprehensively summarized.

Stereoselective Synthesis of the Benzodihydropentalene Core of the Fijiolides

An efficient stereoselective synthesis of the enantiomer of the benzodihydropentalene core of fijiolides A and B has been achieved. The asymmetric conjugate addition of styrylboronic acid to an indenone produced the first stereocenter. Ring C was installed by ring-closing metathesis of a cis disubstituted indanone. Regioselective epoxide opening by NaSePh and subsequent oxidative elimination produced an allylic alcohol. The final introduction of the cyclopentadiene was possible by elimination of an in situ formed triflate.

Synthesis of selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors based on dammarane scaffold

Inspired by natural 11β-HSD1 inhibitors hupehenols A - E, a ring-focused strategy was applied for the synthesis of 35 structurally diverse dammarane-type derivatives. These derivatives were effectively prepared from protopanaxadiol based on the modification of rings A and D. Among these compounds, ten were identified as selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors (IC50 range: 101-1047 nM, SI range: 8-169) which exhibited inhibitory activities against human or mouse 11β-HSD1. Otherwise, we found 23a could selectively inhibit both human and mouse 11β-HSD1 with IC50 value of 994 and 213 nM (SI > 10 and > 47), respectively. Additionally, the molecular modelling results of 23a docking into the human and mouse 11β-HSD1 were in good agreement with the results from the enzyme inhibitory experiment. Moreover, valuable structural-activity relationship (SAR) information of dammarane-type 11β-HSD1 inhibitor was summarized.