Methods of Analysis and Identification of Betulin and Its Derivatives

Mitigating Effect of Lepidium sativum Seeds Oil on Ovarian Oxidative Stress, DNA Abnormality and Hormonal Disturbances Induced by Acrylamide in Rats

Acrylamide (ACR), an industrial compound, causes both male and female reproductive toxicity. Lepidium sativum seeds (L. sativum) (Garden cress) are known for their health benefits as antioxidant, antiasthmatic, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the phytochemistry and nutritional value of L. sativum seeds oil for attenuating the ovarian damage induced by acrylamide in rats. The phytochemical investigation of the seeds revealed the presence of vitamins, potassium, iron, sugar and amino acids. Twenty eight compounds from the unsaponifiable fraction and twenty three compounds from the saponifiable fraction were identified. Three sterols and two triterpenes were isolated and identified as β-sitosterol (1), ▵5-avenasterol (2), friedelanol (3), stigmasta-4, 22-dien-3-one (4), and ursolic acid (5). Treatment of acrylamide-induced rats with L. sativum seeds oil ameliorated prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) with variable degrees. The histopathological findings of ovaries supported these results. In conclusion, compounds (3-5) were isolated for the first time from L. sativum seeds oil. The seeds oil attenuated the ovarian damage and could potentially be a new supplemental agent against female infertility.

New Biodegradable Copolymers Based on Betulin and Hydroxycarboxylic Acid Derivatives

In this study, we propose an approach to the synthesis of new biodegradable polymer materials based on renewable raw feedstock (betulin) and derivatives of hydroxycarboxylic acids using a catalyst/catalytic system (γ-Al2O3, γ-Al2O3/TBHP) that is safe for health and the environment. The resulting polymers are linear thermoplastic polymers that undergo collapse upon melting in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. Moreover, these polymers demonstrate non-toxicity towards a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The polycondensation of betulin with butyl lactate is particularly noteworthy.

Phenological Variations in the Content of Polyphenols and Triterpenoids in Epilobium angustifolium Herb Originating from Ukraine

The composition of secondary metabolites undergoes significant changes in plants depending on the growth phase and the influence of environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to determine the harvesting time of plant material for the optimum secondary metabolite profile and therapeutic activity of the primary material. The shoots of Epilobium angustifolium are used as a healing tea due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the composition of phenolic compounds and triterpenoid saponins in E. angustifolium leaves and flowers and to estimate the dynamics of their content depending on the flowering phase. Qualitative and quantitative characterisation of polyphenols and triterpenoids in E. angustifolium samples from Ukraine of three flowering phases were performed using the high-performance liquid chromatography photo diode array (HPLC-PDA) method. During the present study, 13 polyphenolic compounds and seven triterpenoids were identified in the plant material. It was noted that the largest content and the best polyphenol profile was in late flowering. The most important polyphenolic compounds in the plant material were chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitin, and oenothein B. The triterpenoid profile was at its maximum during mass flowering, with corosolic and ursolic acids being the dominant metabolites. The results of the analysis revealed that the quantity of many of the tested metabolites in the raw material of E. angustifolium is dependent on the plant organ and flowering phase. The largest content of most metabolites in the leaves was in late flowering. In the flowers, the quantity of the metabolites studied was more variable, but decreased during mass flowering and increased significantly again in late flowering. The results show that E. angustifolium raw material is a potential source of oenothein B and triterpenoids.

Synthesis, Pharmacological Properties, and Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Antitumor Activity of Betulin and Its Derivatives in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are an increasingly common type of malignancy, caused by the unhealthy lifestyles of people worldwide. Limited methods of treatment have prompted the search for new compounds with antitumor activity, in which betulin (BE) is leading the way. BE as a compound is classified as a pentacyclic triterpene of the lupane type, having three highly reactive moieties in its structure. Its mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of key components of signaling pathways associated with proliferation, migration, interleukins, and others. BE also has a number of biological properties, i.e., anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, as well as antitumor. Due to its poor bioavailability, betulin is subjected to chemical modifications, obtaining derivatives with proven enhanced pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties as a result. The method of synthesis and substituents significantly influence the effect on cells and GI cancers. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect is highly dependent on the derivative as well as the individual cell line. The aim of this study is to review the methods of synthesis of BE and its derivatives, as well as its pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms of action in colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, and esophageal cancer neoplasms.