Chapter four - Terpenoids and steroids

Abstract

Terpenoid and steroid derivatives of natural and synthetic origins are of specific interest due to their antidiabetic activities. Pentacyclic triterpenoids and dammarane terpenoids have been reported to possess antidiabetic properties due to their ability to reduce blood glucose levels by regulating glucose metabolism. Interest in the discovery of new active derivatives of terpenoids involves a variety of synthetic approaches that incorporate a spectrum of chemical moieties into the terpenoid skeleton. These approaches have led to identification of more efficacious α-glucosidase inhibitors than acarbose, which include lupine, oleanane and ursane derivatives, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid analogs. The oleanolic acid analogs exhibit antihyperglycemic effects comparable to that of acarbose with the ability to resist increase in blood glucose levels for up to 12 days. Natural terpenoid and steroid α-glucosidase inhibitors are also of equal interest as reflected by a number of reports on several meroterpenoids, pentacyclic triterpenes, tibolone steroids, and mekongsterols.