triterpeen

Triferpenes? The term likely refers to triterpenes, a class of terpenes built from six isoprene units, giving a C30 skeleton. They are produced by plants, fungi, and some marine organisms through the mevalonate pathway or the MEP/DOXP pathway. Most triterpenes start from the hydrocarbon squalene, which is converted to 2,3‑oxidosqualene and cyclized by oxidosqualene cyclases into diverse ring systems. Triterpenes can be hydrocarbons or oxygenated derivatives, and many are glycosylated to form triterpenoid saponins.

Structural diversity arises from how the squalene-derived carbons are cyclized and rearranged. The major core skeletons include lanostane (a tetracyclic framework) and the pentacyclic oleanane, ursane, and lupane families. Further oxidation and modification yield a wide range of triterpenoids, such as alcohols, ketones, acids, and glycosides. This structural variety underpins a broad spectrum of biological activities and applications.

Natural occurrence and roles are where triterpenes are most observed. They are widespread in plants, contributing to cuticular waxes, resins, and defense compounds against herbivores and pathogens. Triterpenoid saponins, formed by glycosylation, are particularly common in legumes, olive, and Quillaja species. In animals, the sterol and steroid hormone pathways are connected to triterpenoid chemistry; cholesterol and other steroids derive from tetracyclic triterpene structures such as lanosterol.

Examples and significance include compounds like lupeol, beta-amyrin, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and betulinic acid. Some triterpenoids exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer activities, and triterpenoid saponins such as QS-21 are used as vaccine adjuvants. Because of their abundance and biological versatility, triterpenes remain a major focus in plant chemistry, pharmacology, and industrial applications.