Terpene QMs and Reactive Oxygen Species

The structure-activity relation of triterpene QMs on the anti-inflammatory effect has been investigated with a series of analogues by comparing inhibition of the IL-1 (3 production in the LPS-induced monocytes.93-94 Clearly, the conjugated QM structure with alkenes is essential for the observed inhibition, and similar inhibitory effect was found with derivatives that are capable to form the conjugated QM through hydrolysis and/or oxidation.93-94 Also, the presence of the E ring in the triterpene QM structure is an additional contributor. 

In addition to the QM structure of the natural terpene QMs, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) may also play a significant role in the observed biological activities. In the synthesis of taxodione and taxodone, QMs were formed from the catechol precursors through the spontaneous oxidation in the presence of silica gel.7, 8,49-51 

SCHEME 8.15 Various triterpene QMs with broad biological activities. 

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