Amyrin

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

alpha-amyrin

Amyrin is a naturally occurring triterpene compound found in various plant species. It exists in two isomeric forms: α-amyrin and β-amyrin. These compounds are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and are known for their diverse biological activities.

Structure and Isomerism[edit | edit source]

Amyrin is a pentacyclic triterpene with the molecular formula C30H50O. The two isomers, α-amyrin and β-amyrin, differ in the configuration of the hydroxyl group attached to the carbon skeleton. α-Amyrin has the hydroxyl group in the alpha position, while β-amyrin has it in the beta position.

Sources[edit | edit source]

Amyrin is found in the resins, latex, and essential oils of many plants. Some common sources include:

Biological Activities[edit | edit source]

Amyrin exhibits a range of biological activities, including:

These activities make amyrin a compound of interest in pharmacology and medicine.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Due to its biological properties, amyrin is studied for potential therapeutic applications. It is being investigated for its role in treating conditions such as:

Related Compounds[edit | edit source]

Amyrin is part of a larger group of triterpenes, which includes other compounds such as:

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD