Compound Monograph

Echinocystic acid

An oleanane-type pentacyclic triterpene acid that serves as the aglycone of many saponins in albizzia and other legumes; reported to have anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity in laboratory studies.

Classification

Echinocystic acid 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? (2)

Echinocystic acid is one of the triterpenes, found in Albizzia and Gleditsia.