Betula alba Betulin

Betulinic acid (316), also known as 3(3-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid 3(3-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid mairin (+)-betulinic acid (3-betulinic acid 3 P-Hydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid betulic acid or lupatic acid, is present in and extracted from the bark of the White Birch Betula alba). Betulinic acid has anticancer properties that have been reviewed by Eiznhamer and Xu (384). Betulin (317) and betulinic acid also possess activities that are useful in the field of cosmetics. They inhibit the enzyme elastase thus correcting loss of skin elasticity stimulate collagen synthesis are antiinflammatory, and inhibit melanogenesis. The resultant market need is filled by use of purified bark extract [84012-15-7], rich in both triterpenes. 

Despite aU of betulinic add pharmacological potential, it is obtained by extrachon of barks or core of some plant species or by synthetic processes, e.g. using the betulin (alcohol triterpene) as a S)Tithetic intermediate isolated from the bark of Betula alba and Betula pendula [Galgon., et al. 1999]. Therefore, research is necessary to identify new natural sources, which produce large... 

Betula. Europaan white birch. Bark and leaves of Betula alba L.. Betulaceae. Habit. Europe and Northern Asia, also America, north of Pennsylvania. Constlt. 10-15% Betulin (betula camphor), betulorcsinic add, essentia] oil, saponins, betulol (sesquiterpene alcohol), apigenin dimethyl ether, betuloside, gaultherin, methyl salicylate, ascorbic add. Ref Kreitmatr. Pharmazie 8, 534 (1953). 

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