Cucurbitacins and cucurbitane glycosides: structures and biological activities

Nat Prod Rep. 2005 Jun;22(3):386-99. doi: 10.1039/b418841c. Epub 2005 Apr 4.

Abstract

The natural cucurbitacins constitute a group of triterpenoid substances which are well-known for their bitterness and toxicity. Structurally, they are characterized by the tetracyclic cucurbitane nucleus skeleton, namely, 19-(10-->9beta)-abeo-10alpha-lanost-5-ene (also known as 9beta-methyl-19-norlanosta-5-ene), with a variety of oxygen substitutions at different positions. According to the characteristics of their structures, cucurbitacins are divided into twelve categories. The biological effects of the cucurbitacins are also covered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Factors / chemistry*
  • Biological Factors / pharmacology*
  • Glycosides / chemistry*
  • Glycosides / pharmacology*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • Triterpenes / chemistry*
  • Triterpenes / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Biological Factors
  • Glycosides
  • Triterpenes
  • cucurbitacin B