tritépéniques

Triterpenes are a class of organic compounds derived from squalene. They are a large and diverse group of terpenes, built from six isoprene units. The basic structure of a triterpene consists of thirty carbon atoms. They are found widely in nature, particularly in plants, fungi, and some bacteria.

In plants, triterpenes play various roles, including defense mechanisms against herbivores and pathogens, as well as structural components. They can also contribute to the scent and color of flowers and fruits. Some common examples of triterpenes include sterols, such as cholesterol and phytosterols, which are essential components of cell membranes. Other examples include saponins, known for their foaming properties, and carotenoids, which are pigments.

Triterpenes possess a wide range of biological activities and have been investigated for their potential medicinal properties. These activities include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer effects. Due to their diverse structures and biological significance, triterpenes are a subject of ongoing research in natural product chemistry, pharmacology, and biochemistry. Their extraction and characterization are important for understanding natural product diversity and exploring their applications.