Triterpenoid saponin

Triterpenoid saponins are a class of natural products consisting of a triterpene aglycone attached to one or more sugar moieties. They are widely distributed in nature and are found in a variety of plants, including many used in traditional medicine.

Structure and Biosynthesis

The triterpene aglycone of triterpenoid saponins is typically a pentacyclic compound, although tetracyclic and hexacyclic triterpenes are also known. The sugar moieties are typically monosaccharides, but can also be disaccharides or trisaccharides. The sugars are attached to the aglycone via a glycosidic bond.

The biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins begins with the cyclization of squalene to form a triterpene. This is followed by a series of modifications to the triterpene, including oxidation, hydroxylation, and glycosylation, to form the final saponin.

Biological Activity

Triterpenoid saponins have a wide range of biological activities. They have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. They also have potential applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

Examples

Examples of triterpenoid saponins include ginsenosides, found in ginseng; oleanolic acid, found in olive leaves; and asiaticoside, found in Centella asiatica.

See Also

• Saponin
• Triterpene
• Glycoside