Ursolic Acid and Other Pentacyclic Triterpenoids: Anticancer Activities and Occurrence in Berries

Ursolic acid and related pentacyclic triterpenoids have been isolated and identified as constituents of various berries, particularly cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and other Vaccinium species. In vitro studies have shown that these compounds possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. These compounds reportedly inhibit the growth of numerous tumor cell lines including colon, breast, liver, prostate and leukemia and inhibit the expression and activity of cyclooxygenases. Among the berry triterpenoids, ursolic acid is the most studied. Ursolic acid has been found to induce apoptosis in tumor cells by activation of caspases and modulation of other pathways involved in cell proliferation and migration. These compounds may therefore play a complementary or synergistic role together with other berry constituents in chemoprevention. Further studies of bioavailability and in vivo activities are needed.