Betulin

Betulin
Names
IUPAC name
Lup-20(29)-ene-3β,28-diol
Identifiers
473-98-3 Yes
ChEMBL ChEMBL23236 Yes
ChemSpider 65272 Yes
EC-number 207-475-5
Jmol-3D images Image
Image
KEGG C08618 Yes
PubChem 72326
Properties
Molecular formula
C30H50O2
Molar mass 442.72 g·mol−1
Melting point 256 to 257 °C (493 to 495 °F; 529 to 530 K)
Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
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Infobox references

Betulin (lup-20(29)-ene-3β,28-diol) is an abundant, naturally occurring triterpene. It is commonly isolated from the bark of birch trees where it forms up to 30% of the dry weight of the extractive [1] and is found in birch sap as well.[2] The purpose of the compound in the bark is not known. It can be converted to betulinic acid (the alcohol group replaced by a carboxylic acid group), which is biologically more active than betulin itself.

History

Betulin was discovered in 1788 by German-Russian chemist Johann Tobias Lowitz.

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

Recent clinical studies[3] have shown that betulin (3β-lup-20(29)-en-3,28-diol), was effective against a variety of tumors. Betulin causes some types of tumor cells to start a process of self-destruction called apoptosis and can slow the growth of several types of tumor cells.

Recent clinical studies[4] have proved that betulin, inhibited the maturation of Sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBPs). Inhibition of SREBP by betulin decreased the biosynthesis of Cholesterol and fatty acid. In vivo, betulin ameliorated diet-induced obesity, decreased the lipid contents in serum and tissues, and increased insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, betulin reduced the size and improved the stability of atherosclerotic plaques.

Inonotus obliquus contains betulin,[5] 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.[6]

References

  1. Green, Brian; Bentley, Michael D.; Chung, Bong Y.; Lynch, Nicholas G.; Jensen, Bruce L. (2007), "Isolation of Betulin and Rearrangement to Allobetulin A Biomimetic Natural Product Synthesis", J. Chem. Educ. 84: 1985, doi:10.1021/ed084p1985.
  2. http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca/essences/arbre.php?id=98
  3. Alakurtti, S; Makela, T; Koskimies, S; Yli-Kauhaluoma, J (2006). "harmacological properties of the ubiquitous natural product betulin". Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 29 (1): 1–13. doi:10.1016/j.ejps.2006.04.006. PMID 16716572.
  4. Tang, Jing-Jie et al. (2011). "Inhibition of SREBP by a Small Molecule, Betulin, Improves Hyperlipidemia and Insulin Resistance and Reduces Atherosclerotic Plaques". j. cmet 13 (1): 44–56. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2010.12.004.
  5. Gao, Y; Xu, H; Lu, Z; Xu, Z (2009). "Quantitative determination of steroids in the fruiting bodies and submerged-cultured mycelia of Inonotus obliquus". Se pu 27 (6): 745–9. PMID 20352924.
  6. Tilford, Gregory L. (1997), Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West, Missoula, MO: Mountain Press, ISBN 0-87842-359-1.