Triterpenoid
Triterpenoid
Triterpenoids (pronunciation: tri-ter-pe-noyds) are a class of chemical compounds composed of three terpene units with the molecular formula C30H48; they may also be thought of as consisting of six isoprene units. They are widespread in nature, particularly in plants of the Lamiaceae family.
Etymology
The term "triterpenoid" is derived from the words "triterpene" and the suffix "-oid", meaning "resembling" or "like". "Triterpene" is a term used to denote a particular type of terpene that consists of three terpene units. The "-oid" suffix indicates that compounds in this class resemble triterpenes in their structure.
Types of Triterpenoids
Triterpenoids can be classified into various types based on their chemical structure. Some of the most common types include:
- Saponins: These are triterpenoids that possess soap-like properties. They are commonly found in many plants and can help protect the plant against microbes and insects.
- Steroids: These are triterpenoids that have a structure based on a fused four-ring core. Steroids have a variety of roles in the body, including acting as hormones and components of cell membranes.
- Cardiac glycosides: These are triterpenoids that have a specific effect on the heart muscle. They are often used in the treatment of heart failure and certain types of irregular heartbeats.
Medical Uses
Triterpenoids have a wide range of medical uses due to their diverse biological activities. They have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties, among others. Some triterpenoids, such as betulinic acid, are being investigated for their potential use in cancer therapy.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Triterpenoid
- Wikipedia's article - Triterpenoid
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