Advances in the synthesis and pharmacological activity of lupane-type triterpenoid saponins

Lupeol, betulin and betulinic acid are members of the so-called lupane-type triterpenoids. These natural products found worldwide in quite of lot of vegetables, fruits and plant species exhibit promising pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV and antitumor activities. Nevertheless, the poor pharmacokinetic properties of these cholesterol-like triterpenoids hampered further pharmaceutical developments. The synthesis of lupane-type saponins, i.e., sugar-derived lupanes, seems to be a good avenue to improve both their water solubility and pharmacological activity. The aims of this review are twofold: first, to describe the biological activity of naturally occurring lupane-type saponins, and second, report the different methodologies employed for the elaboration of glycosidic linkages at the C-3 and/or C-28 positions on the lupane core. The synthesis of both natural and unnatural lupane-type saponins is discussed with an emphasis on molecules exhibiting relevant biological activities.