Two Triterpenoids with a Cyclobutane Moiety from Mastic: Structural Elucidation and Biological Evaluation
Abstract
Two novel triterpenoids, cyclobutastics A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ), were isolated from mastic ( Pistacia lentiscus L.). Their structures were fully elucidated by NMR, ACD/SE, QCC-NMR, and ECD analysis. Compound 1 is characterized by a rare cyclization that forms a cyclobutane via the connection between C-1 and C-11, resulting in a fused 6/6/4/6/5 pentacyclic framework. Compound 2 features an unprecedented cyclobutane formed by the C-8–C-18 linkage, marking the first report of this structural motif in a natural triterpenoid. Compound 2 inhibited the proliferation of human colorectal adenocarcinoma SW480 and HCT116 cells, with IC 50 values of 15.2 ± 1.3 and 3.8 ± 0.7 μM, respectively, and exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity (IC 50 = 24.7 ± 1.5 μM).
Fields of Study & Subjects
Nuts composition and effects
Natural product bioactivities and synthesis
Sesquiterpenes and Asteraceae Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Organic Letters
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 15
- Pages
- 4917–4921
- Publication date
- 1 April 2026
- Language
- EN