Multifaceted therapeutic potential of corosolic acid: A novel bioactive compound

Abstract

Corosolic acid (CRA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in plants such as Lagerstroemia speciosa (Banaba). CRA has attracted attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. CRA's complex structure and structural analogs, such as ursolic and oleanolic acids, exhibit activities akin to CRA. CRA demonstrates promising anti-diabetic properties by enhancing glucose uptake, increasing insulin sensitivity, and inhibiting carbohydrate-absorbing enzymes. These mechanisms have potential implications in the management of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Furthermore, CRA inhibits adipogenesis, promotes lipolysis, and regulates lipid metabolism, indicating its potential role in addressing obesity-related lipid abnormalities. Reducing oxidative stress, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibiting inflammatory pathways suggest CRA's utility in preventing or mitigating metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. While CRA shows promise, addressing regulatory gaps and conducting rigorous research are crucial for establishing its efficacy and ensuring its safe utilization in various health conditions. This review emphasizes the significance of understanding the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic potential of corosolic acid in preclinical and clinical observations.