Abstract
The effects of twelve novel triterpenoid acids isolated from the ethanolic extract of the stems of Kadsura heteroclita and k. longipedunculata, Chinese folk medicines, and three other novel triterpenoid acids semi-synthesized on cholesterol biosynthesis were examined. (24Z)-3-Oxo-lanosta8, 24-dien-26-oic acid (3-oxo-LA) was most active in depressing cholesterol biosynthesis from [2-14C]mevalonate in a 10, 000 × g supernatant fraction of rat liver homogenate. It was suggested from the TLC analysis of radio-labeled products that these compounds inhibit the demethylation of lanosterol. Some triterpenoid acids including 3-oxo-LA also inhibited cholesterol biosynthesis from [1-14C]acetate in primary cultures of rat liver cells.
