Friedelin and 3β-Friedelinol: Pharmacological Activities

Abstract

The interest in herbal medicine as a source of drug leads is being reinforced, especially for tackling challenging therapeutic areas such as antimicrobial resistance, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. Friedelin and 3β-friedelinol are pentacyclic triterpenoids commonly distributed in plants and are found in edible fruits and vegetables. More than 400 naturally occurring friedelane triterpenoids have been identified. Friedelin and its derivative 3β-friedelinol are reported to have significant pharmacological potential, including antibacterial, anti-viral, and cytotoxic properties. Friedelane triterpenoids could be considered as promising candidates in drug development against human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The natural sources of friedelane triterpenoids have been examined, which include the families Celastraceae, Hippocrateaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Flacourtiaceae, and Guttiferae. The purpose of this review is to summarize the structural elucidation, physicochemical properties, spectroscopic data, natural origin, biosynthesis, quantification techniques, and the reported pharmacological activities of friedelin and its derivative 3β-friedelinol. The review explores the potential beneficial effects of these bioactive triterpenes and discusses ways to enhance their pharmacological significance. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].