Oleanolic acid as a potential drug molecule: A review

Objective: Oleanolic acid is traditionally used medicinal remedies in India. Oleanolic acid or oleanic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid related to betulinic acid. It is widely distributed in food and plants where it exists as a free acid or as an aglycone of triterpenoid saponins.

Key findings: Oleanolic acid is relatively non-toxic, hepatoprotective, and exhibits antitumor and antiviral properties. It was found to exhibit weak anti-HIV and weak anti-HCV activities in vitro, but more potent synthetic analogs are being investigated as potential drugs.

Conclusion: This review is an overall overview of the existing pharmacology of Oleanolic acid, helping to fuel further research in the various unexplored activities that are attributable to this plant.