Research progress on natural pentacyclic triterpenoids and derivatives in anti-cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among adult populations in China. The incidence and mortality rate shows an upward trend, and age of onset is younger trend. It is necessary to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases with Chinese materia medica. Natural products have been the important and productive source of leading compounds for the development of anti-cardiovascular and cerebrovascular drugs. Naturally occurring triterpenoid saponins are generally plant-derived secondary metabolites with various valuable pharmacological properties. Pentacyclic triterpenoids of which show obvious anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiviral effects. In recent years, increasing researches focused on the anticardiovascular and cerebrovascular mechanisms and modifications to improve the pharmacological activity and druggability of pentacyclic triterpenes. Based on previous studies, the literatures and patents of nearly 10 years on pentacyclic triterpenoids and their derivatives have been consulted. The research progress of anti-cardio-cerebrovascular activities of four types of compounds, oleanane, ursane, lupane, and friedelane, related to pentacyclic triterpenoids is reviewed, which provides a basis and reference for its further development and utilization in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.