Corosolic acid

Corosolic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid compound primarily found in the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa (also known as banaba) and other plants such as apples, basil, bilberries, and cranberries. Chemically, it is a derivative of ursolic acid with an additional 2α-hydroxy group, featuring the molecular formula C30H48O4 and a molecular weight of 472.7 g/mol. It exhibits a range of biological activities, including enhancing glucose metabolism by lowering post-challenge plasma glucose levels, which has led to its nickname "plant insulin" and exploration for type 2 diabetes management. Additionally, corosolic acid demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory effects stronger than indomethacin in some models, cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines like HepG2, A549, and HeLa (EC50s 0.4-5 μg/ml), and antioxidant properties that may combat oxidative stress in atherosclerosis. Its antihyperlipidemic and antihypertensive actions further suggest potential in metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, though it is not established as a specific molecular therapeutic target like a receptor or enzyme. Research highlights its role in inhibiting tumor cell growth, DNA polymerase, and TPA-induced inflammation, positioning it as a nutraceutical compound rather than a druggable protein target.

Other names

2α-Hydroxyursolic acid2-alpha-Hydroxyursolic acidColosolic acidColosic acid2α,3β-Dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid(2alpha,3beta)-2,3-Dihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid