2259-06-5

Betulinic acid methyl ester is a lupane-type triterpenoid and an esterified version of betulinic acid that has been found in Helicteres hirsuta and has diverse biological activities. It inhibits HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (IC₅₀ = 11 μM). Betulinic acid methyl ester is active against L. braziliensis and T. cruzi (IC₅₀s = 69.9 and 93.3 μM, respectively). It induces melanogenesis in (EC₅₀ = 2.5 μM) and inhibits the growth of B16 2F2 melanoma cells in vitro (IC₅₀ = 4.9 μM). Betulinic acid methyl ester is cytotoxic to SK-LU-1, HepG2, HeLa, SK-MEL-2, and AGS cells (IC₅₀s = 60.84, 77.43, 80.17, 66.17, and 69.94 μg/ml, respectively).

Betulinic acid methyl ester, a betulinic acid derivative, possesses antiprotozoal activity[1].

ChEBI: Betulinic acid methyl ester is a triterpenoid.

Betulinic acid methyl ester is a natural compound extracted from the bark of the birch tree with anti-inflammatory and antiprotozoal activity.  Studies have shown it to be a potent inhibitor of cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.  It has also been shown to have hypoglycaemic effects in mice.

[1] D B Domínguez-Carmona, et al. Antiprotozoal activity of betulinic acid derivatives. Phytomedicine. 2010 Apr;17(5):379-82. DOI:10.1016/j.phymed.2009.08.002