Betulinic Acid – an underrated natural compound with profound anti-cancer properties

Betulinic acid structure

Betulinic acid (3β, hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid of plant origin that is widely distributed in the plant kingdom throughout the world. It is known for its antiretroviral, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties and has been used in folk medicine for a variety of ailments.

Here are a few links to the relevant research:

Betulinic acid as a potent and complex antitumor phytochemical: a minireview (abstract only)

Betulinic acid induces a novel cell death pathway that depends on cardiolipin modification (abstract only)

A Review on Preparation of Betulinic Acid and Its Biological Activities

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Birch Bark-Derived Betulin: Recent Developments

Betulinic acid-induced apoptosis in leukemia cells

Betulinic acid-induced mitochondria-dependent cell death is counterbalanced by an autophagic salvage response

Betulinic acid induces cytochrome c release and apoptosis in a Bax/Bak-independent, permeability transition pore dependent fashion

Betulinic Acid for Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Anticancerous Efficacy of Betulinic acid: An Immunomodulatory Phytochemical

Potential Sources:

Betulinic Acid Pro Liposomal

Z Natural Foods