MOLECULE

Friedelin

Friedelin or Friedooleanan-3-one belongs to the class of organic compounds known as triterpenoids. Triterpenoids are terpene molecules that contain 30 carbon atoms and are comprised of six isoprene units. Triterpenes are the most diverse class of secondary metabolites and can be found in all living organisms. The biosynthesis of triterpenes occurs through the mevalonic acid pathway (MVA; PMID: 17467679), mainly in the cytosol. A key intermediate in the biosynthesis of triterpenoids is 2,3-oxidosqualene, which undergoes several cyclization reactions to yield pentacyclic triterpenoids such as friedelin. Friedelin is a neutral compound that is barely soluble in water. It is found in pear and in the leaves of guazuma ulmifolia and apple custard. Friedelin is also found in the roots of the Cannabis plants (PMID: 28826544) and in chicory, apple heartwood, pomegranate stem bark and corn stalk ( http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/data/rw1247531.html#tooccur). Friedelin, isolated from the leaves of Azima tetracantha Lam, exhibited anti-ulcer potential in an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model (PMID: 25617794). Seven compounds, including friedelin, were isolated from crude extracts of leaves, stems and roots of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. and Thonn.) Müll. Arg. All compounds had antibacterial activity against pathogens of the gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory and urinary tract (PMID: 26724423).