The leaves of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) possess high medicinal value and have been used as traditional medicines. However, there are no evidence-based studies on the skin-care effects of E. japonica leaves. To explore new biological activities of E. japonica leaves against skin disorder and to gain a better understanding of the chemical components associated with bioactivities, we evaluated ...

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, bre...

Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural terpene compound exhibiting many pharmaceutical properties. In this review the current state of knowledge about the health-promoting properties of this widespread, biologically active compound, as well as information about its occurrence and biosynthesis are presented. Particular attention has been paid to the application of ursolic acid as an anti-cancer agent; i...

Elaeagnus oldhamii Maxim. is a commonly used traditional herbal medicine. In Taiwan the leaves of E. oldhamii Maxim. are mainly used for treating lung disorders. Twenty five compounds were isolated from the leaves of E. oldhamii Maxim. in the present study. These included oleanolic acid (1), 3-O-(Z)-coumaroyl oleanolic acid (2), 3-O-(E)-coumaroyl oleanolic acid (3), 3-O-caffeoyl oleanolic acid ...

BACKGROUND Muscle wasting in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other catabolic disorders contributes to morbidity and mortality, and there are no therapeutic interventions that regularly and safely block losses of muscle mass. We have obtained evidence that impaired IGF-1/insulin signalling and increases in glucocorticoids, myostatin and/or inflammatory cytokines that contribute to the developme...

BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents and is characterized by frequent metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. Because osteosarcoma cells are not highly susceptible to current chemotherapy drugs, new alternative strategies for the treatment of osteosarcoma are needed. This study was undertaken to investigate the inhibitory effects...

The MeOH extract of the leaves of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) completely inhibited the motility of cultured epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi at the concentration of 2 mg/ml after 2 h of incubation. Activity-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract has resulted in the isolation of three triterpene acids, betulinic, oleanolic and ursolic acids. Ursolic acid stopped the movement of all ...