betulonic acid

Betulonic acid is a naturally occurring lupane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid, primarily derived from the bark of birch trees (*Betula* species). Structurally, it is the 3-oxo analog of betulinic acid, featuring a ketone group at the C-3 position instead of a hydroxyl group. It is widely utilized in preclinical research due to its diverse biological activities, which include anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and hepatoprotective properties. Despite its pharmacological potential and its role as a chemical intermediate for the synthesis of more potent semisynthetic derivatives with improved bioavailability, betulonic acid has not been advanced into clinical trials by any pharmaceutical developer and remains a research compound.

Other names

3-oxolup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid3-ketobetulinic acidliquidambaric acid