A Link Between Chemical Structure and Biological Activity in Triter- penoids

Abstract

Background: Plants that are rich with triterpenoid compounds in nature have various biological activities and are reported in many scientific works. Triterpenoids, because of their broad sources, wide variety, high medicinal value, and anti-tumor properties, have drawn great attention from scientists. However, a lack of approach to understand the link between their chemical structures and biological activities has limited the fundamental comprehension of these compounds in cancer therapy. Objective: To summarize many plants with triterpenoids and their derivatives that are a source of potential novel therapeutic anti-cancer agents by interpreting the network of anti-cancer activity and the structures of triterpenoids and their derivatives. Methods: This work focuses on analyzing relevant patents and references that detail the structure of triterpenoids and their derivatives for the treatment of tumors. Result: Pentacyclic triterpenoid plays a more important role in improving the autophagic signaling pathways of cancer cells compared to tetracyclic triterpenoid. Conclusion: The heterogenous skeleton structure of triterpenoids impaired programmed cell death signaling pathways in various cancers.