Compound Monograph

alpha-Amyrin

A pentacyclic triterpene found widely in plant resins and waxes, the biosynthetic precursor of ursolic acid; studied, usually as an α/β-amyrin mixture, for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.

Classification

alpha-Amyrin is one of the triterpenes, part of the terpenoids class. The largest class of plant compounds, built from five-carbon isoprene units — the essential-oil aromatics, resins, bitter principles, saponins, and plant sterols.

Where Does It Come From? (3)

alpha-Amyrin is one of the triterpenes, found in Bay Bean, Elemi and Kalanchoe.