Oleanolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from specific plants with a variety of pharmacological effects and clinical applications. The following is a detailed introduction to oleanolic acid:
1. Basic Information
Chinese name: Oleanolic acid
English name: Oleanolic acidCAS No.: 508-02-1
Molecular formula: C30H48O3
Molecular weight: 456.7
Appearance: light yellow or white needle-like crystals (in ethanol), odorless, tasteless
2. Extraction source
Oleanolic acid is mainly extracted from the whole grass of green leaf urchin or the fruit of chasteberry in the genus Swertia of the family Gentianaceae, and also exists in a variety of other plants, such as the leaves of the plant Oleanum in the family Mulleinaceae, and the leaves of the plant Lobelia in the family Cucurbitaceae, and so on. Its content in plants is generally between 0.2% and 2%, and the content in some plants, such as Lobelia, is higher, up to 1.5% to 2%.
3. Physical Properties
Melting point: 308～310°C
Solubility: insoluble in water, soluble in methanol, ethanol, ether, acetone and chloroform and other organic solvents
Stability: unstable to acid and alkali
4. Pharmacological effects
Hepatoprotective effect: oleanolic acid is commonly used in clinical hepatoprotective drugs, carbon tetrachloride-induced acute and chronic liver damage in rats has a significant protective effect, can promote liver cell regeneration, accelerate the recovery of necrotic tissue.
Antibacterial effect: Oleanolic acid can inhibit the growth and reproduction of a variety of bacteria and fungi, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, etc., and has a certain antimicrobial effect on Gram-positive and negative bacteria.
Anti-inflammatory effect: oleanolic acid can inhibit the inflammatory response, thus exerting analgesic effect, used to relieve pain symptoms caused by chronic inflammation.
Immunomodulation: Oleanolic acid can enhance the phagocytosis of macrophages, promote the transformation of lymphocytes, improve the body’s immunity.
Other effects: oleanolic acid also has the effect of lowering blood lipids, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood sugar, antioxidant, scavenging free radicals, protecting the heart muscle, improving sleep quality, anti-fatigue and so on.
5. Clinical application
Oleanolic acid is widely used in the treatment of various types of hepatitis, including infectious acute jaundice hepatitis, viral chronic prolonged hepatitis, etc., with the lowering of ghrelin, yellowing, and improve liver function. In addition, it is also used in the treatment of bronchitis, periodontitis, acute tonsillitis, urinary tract infections and many other diseases. In terms of anti-tumor, oleanolic acid also shows some preventive and auxiliary therapeutic effects.
6. Precautions for use
Pregnant and lactating women should use oleanolic acid under medical supervision.
Children should be under adult supervision.
If the patient is taking other drugs, should promptly inform the doctor and consult whether can take oleanolic acid at the same time.
In case of overdose or serious adverse reactions, seek medical advice.