Pharmacological effects of betulinic acid and its protective mechanisms on the cardiovascular system

IF 2.5 3区医学 Q3 CHEMISTRY, MEDICINAL

Fitoterapia Pub Date : 2025-04-25 DOI:10.1016/j.fitote.2025.106561

Xu Yuan Lao , Yuan Long Sun , Zhe Jun Zhao , Jie Liu , Xiao Fen Ruan

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin widely found in plants, has attracted attention for its diverse pharmacological activities. Recent studies highlight its cardioprotective potential, promoting its relevance in cardiovascular research.

Aim of the review

This review summarizes BA's physicochemical properties, structure–activity relationships, natural sources, and synthesis strategies. It further discusses its pharmacokinetics and toxicity to evaluate its drug development potential, with emphasis on cardioprotective effects and related signaling pathways.

Methods

Literature was collected from databases such as PubMed and Web of Science, focusing on studies addressing BA's chemical characteristics, biological activities, pharmacokinetics, and cardiovascular relevance.

Results

BA exerts cardioprotective effects via multiple signaling pathways, including NRF2, NF-κB, MAPK, and NFAT. These contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-proliferative actions, as well as its enhancement of endothelial function through nitric oxide signaling. BA also reduces lipid accumulation. Combined with favorable physicochemical properties and synthetic accessibility, these findings support BA as a promising multifunctional lead compound in cardiovascular pharmacology.

Conclusion

BA shows strong potential as a cardioprotective natural compound. Although further research is needed to validate its clinical efficacy and safety, its multi-target actions and structural versatility provide a solid basis for development in cardiovascular drug discovery.

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白桦酸对心血管系统的药理作用及其保护机制

白桦酸（betulinic acid， BA）是一种广泛存在于植物中的五环三萜皂苷，因其丰富的药理活性而备受关注。最近的研究强调了它的心脏保护潜力，促进了它在心血管研究中的相关性。综述了BA的理化性质、构效关系、天然来源及合成策略。进一步讨论其药代动力学和毒性，以评估其药物开发潜力，重点是心脏保护作用和相关信号通路。方法从PubMed和Web of Science等数据库中收集文献，重点研究BA的化学特性、生物活性、药代动力学和心血管相关性。结果ba通过NRF2、NF-κB、MAPK、NFAT等多种信号通路发挥心脏保护作用。这些有助于其抗氧化、抗炎、抗凋亡和抗增殖作用，以及通过一氧化氮信号传导增强内皮功能。BA还能减少脂质积累。结合良好的物理化学性质和合成可及性，这些发现支持BA作为一种有前景的多功能心血管药理学先导化合物。结论ba是一种具有良好心脏保护作用的天然化合物。虽然其临床疗效和安全性有待进一步的研究验证，但其多靶点作用和结构的通用性为心血管药物的研发提供了坚实的基础。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Fitoterapia 医学-药学

CiteScore

5.80

自引率

2.90%

发文量

198

审稿时长

1.5 months

期刊介绍： Fitoterapia is a Journal dedicated to medicinal plants and to bioactive natural products of plant origin. It publishes original contributions in seven major areas: 1. Characterization of active ingredients of medicinal plants 2. Development of standardization method for bioactive plant extracts and natural products 3. Identification of bioactivity in plant extracts 4. Identification of targets and mechanism of activity of plant extracts 5. Production and genomic characterization of medicinal plants biomass 6. Chemistry and biochemistry of bioactive natural products of plant origin 7. Critical reviews of the historical, clinical and legal status of medicinal plants, and accounts on topical issues.