Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid

ABSTRACT

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 70% of worldwide mortality rates can be attributed to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and these figures are going to be more alarming after the Covid-19 outbreak. The careful examination of in-vitro tests, in-vivo studies, and clinical models undertaken establish that the intake of fruits/vegetables rich in bioactives can reduce the risk of NCD. Oleanolic acid (OA) and its isomer ursolic acid (UA) fall under the ubiquitous class of pentacyclic triterpenoid bioactives mainly present in medicinal plants, herbs, fruit, and vegetables. In addition to antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anticancer activities, the diet rich in OA and UA may regulate the human immune system. The protective role and clinically useful activities of OA and UA motivated us to highlight various features, points, and critical concerns regarding biogenesis, extraction, isolation, or purification of these valuable bioactives. Moreover, this chapter consolidates and expands stories of clinical trials undertaken during the last couple of decades to evaluate the biological activities and toxicities of these triterpenoids. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.