- Betulin
Chembox new
Name = Betulin
ImageFile = Betulin.svg
ImageName = Betulin
IUPACName = 3a-Hydroxymethyl-1-isopropenyl
-5a,5b,8,8,11a-pentamethyl-
icosahydro-cyclopenta [a] chrysen-9-ol
OtherNames = lup-20(29)-ene-3β,28-diol
Section1 = Chembox Identifiers
CASNo = 473-98-3
Section2 = Chembox Properties
C=30|H=50|O=2
MeltingPt = 256-257 °CBetulin (lup-20(29)-ene-3β,28-diol) is an abundant naturally occurring
triterpene . It is commonly isolated from thebark ofbirch trees and forms up to 30% of the dry weight of the extractive ["Isolation of Betulin and Rearrangement to Allobetulin A Biomimetic Natural Product Synthesis" Brian Green, Michael D. Bentley, Bong Y. Chung, Nicholas G. Lynch, and Bruce L. JensenJournal of Chemical Education 1985 2007] . The purpose of the compound in the bark is not known. It can be converted tobetulinic acid (thealcohol group replaced by acarboxylic acid group), which is biologically more active than betulin itself.Chemistry
Chemically betulin is a triterpenoid of lupane structure. It has a pentacyclic ring structure, and hydroxyl groups in positions C3 and C28.
Biological activities
Betulinic acid and its synthetic analogues exhibit anti-
malarial ,anti-inflamatory and anti-HIV activity as well as showingcytotoxicity towards a number oftumour cell lines. Even though betulin derivatives are most widely studied for their anticancer activity, also the anti-HIV effect is quite well characterized and it has been demonstrated that betulins can inhibit HIV entry to T cells by binding to the gp41, an HIV protein needed for the invasion of the virus into the cell.Recent clinical studies have verified that
red alder "(Alnus rubra )" contains betulin andlupeol , compounds shown to be effective against a variety of tumors. Native Americans used Red Alder bark to treat poison oak, insect bites, and skin irritations. Blackfeet indians used an infusion made from the bark of Red Alder to treat lymphatic disorders and tuberculosis. [Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West, Gregory L. Tilford, ISBN 0-87842-359-1]There has been extensive research done on this chemical at the University of Minnesota, Duluth among other educational institutions.
Manufacturers
* [http://www.betulin.ca "Betulin Producers"] - Betulin Producers of Canada and United States
References
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