Isolation and Characterization of Bioactive Pentacyclic Triterpenoids from Lagerstroemia Lanceolata ROXB.: A Phytochemical Insight into Alphitolic and Betulinic Acids

Abstract

Background: Pentacyclic triterpenoids are bioactive plant-derived compounds known for their diverse pharmacological properties. Lagerstroemia lanceolata Roxb., a species endemic to the Western Ghats, has been identified as a rich source of these compounds, particularly alphitolic acid and betulinic acid. However, comprehensive studies on the isolation and characterization of these compounds from Lagerstroemia lanceolata are limited.
Methods: In this study, column chromatography was employed to isolate the bioactive pentacyclic triterpenoids from the methanolic extract of Lagerstroemia lanceolata. The fractions were analyzed using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), UV spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy (both ^1H and ^13C), and mass spectrometry for structural elucidation.
Results: The fractions LLMEF1 and LLMEF2 were identified as alphitolic acid and betulinic acid, respectively. Toluene: Ethyl Acetate (70:30) was determined to be the most effective mobile phase for the separation process. The UV spectra confirmed the presence of characteristic conjugated chromophores, and the IR spectra revealed key functional groups such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. The NMR spectra (both ^1H and ^13C) provided clear structural information, confirming the lupane-type pentacyclic core typical of these triterpenoids.
Conclusion: The study successfully isolated and characterized alphitolic acid and betulinic acid from Lagerstroemia lanceolata, confirming their therapeutic potential. These compounds exhibit strong anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, which can be further explored for drug development.