Triterpenoids: natural compounds with high pharmaceutical potential

Abstract

Triterpenoids are a class of natural compounds characterized by a wide range of biological activities and significant potential in various fields such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. They are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and other heteroatoms, and can be found in a variety of plants such as licorice, olive tree and birch. Triterpenoids perform various functions in nature, including protecting plants from pathogens and pests, as well as from negative environmental factors. They can also be precursors to plant hormones and play an important role in plant growth and development. In the animal world, triterpenoids can play a role in plant-animal communication, such as plant reproduction by attracting pollinators and protecting plants from insects. Triterpenoids have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and other pharmacological properties, making them useful in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, inflammation and infectious diseases. Future research in the field of triterpenoid chemistry may focus on the development of new methods of extraction and purification of triterpenoids, chemical modification of triterpenoids to obtain substances with improved or new properties, and the development of new cosmetic and pharmaceutical products based on triterpenoids.