Betulin
Betulin
Betulin (pronounced as /bɛˈtjuːlɪn/), also known as lup-20(29)-ene-3β,28-diol, is a pentacyclic triterpenoid. It is a naturally occurring compound that can be found in the bark of several species of plants, notably the white birch (Betula alba) from which it gets its name.
Etymology
The term "Betulin" is derived from the Latin word "Betula", which is the genus name for birch. The suffix "-in" is commonly used in organic chemistry to denote a particular type of compound.
Properties and Uses
Betulin is a white crystalline powder that is insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol and ether. It has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer effects. Betulin is also used in the production of betulinic acid (Betulinic acid), a compound that has shown promise in laboratory studies for treating a variety of conditions, including HIV and certain types of cancer.
Related Terms
- Betulinic acid: A pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from betulin that has been studied for its potential medicinal properties.
- Betula alba: The white birch, a tree species from which betulin is commonly extracted.
- Triterpenoid: A type of chemical compound that includes betulin and betulinic acid among its members.
See Also
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