Betulinic Acid

Literature References: Naturally occurring triterpene found in many plant sources, notably the bark of white birch trees, Betula alba L. Betulaceae. Melanoma-specific cytotoxic agent. Isoln: L. Ruzicka et al., Helv. Chim. Acta 21, 1706 (1938); and characterization: A. Robertson et al., J. Chem. Soc. 1939, 1267. Synthesis from betulin, q.v.: D. S. H. Kim et al., Synth. Commun. 27, 1607 (1997). Isoln and crystal structure of benzyl ester: G. Bringmann et al., Planta Med. 63, 255 (1997). Inhibition of HIV replication: T. Fujioka et al., J. Nat. Prod. 57, 243 (1994). Induction of apoptosis in human melanoma cells: E. Pisha et al., Nat. Med. 1, 1046 (1995). Mechanism of action study: S. Fulda et al., Cancer Res. 57, 4956 (1997). Pharmacokinetics in mice: G. O. Udeani et al., Biopharm. Drug Dispos. 20, 379 (1999). Tumor cell-specific cytotoxicity: V. Zuco et al., Cancer Lett. 175, 17 (2002). LC/MS determn in plasma: X. Cheng et al., Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 17, 2089 (2003). Review of natural distribution: G. Pavanasasivam, M. U. S. Sultanbawa, Phytochemistry 13, 2002-2006 (1974); of anticancer activity: D. A. Eiznhamer, Z.-Q. Xu, IDrugs 7, 359-373 (2004); of chemistry, biology and therapeutic potential: R. H. Cichewicz, S. A. Kouzi, Med. Res. Rev. 24, 90-114 (2004); of biological properties: P. Yogeeswari, D. Sriram, Curr. Med. Chem. 12, 657-666 (2005).