Amphiphilic triterpenoids

ICso values 10-20 times greater than for PKA-catalytic subunit. The common feature of these amphiphilic triterpenoids is a 3-hydroxy group, a polar distal residue (e.g. a carboxyl group) and a non-polar, quasi-planar triterpenoid nucleus [89], However, these structural features are not essential for potent inhibition of PKA-catalytic subunit. 

Terpenoids are structurally based on the isoprenoid (C5) unit and include monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, steroids and carotenoids. These compounds can be further modified to generate greater structural complexity. Thus the saponins are surface active amphiphiles deriving from the glycosylation of steroid (C27) or triterpenoid (C30) entities. Plant triterpenoids with very specific biochemical effects include those that mimic the effects of mammalian steroid hormones or of insect developmental hormones. 

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