Compound Monograph
Lupeol
Lupeol is a pentacyclic triterpene found widely in plants and fruits, studied extensively in the laboratory for anti-inflammatory activity.
Classification
Lupeol is a triterpene (lupane-type), 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? (10)
Lupeol is a naturally occurring triterpene (lupane-type), found in Mullein, Shrubby bushclover, Tick trefoil and 7 other sources. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Lupeol is a pentacyclic triterpene of the lupane class found across a very wide range of plants, including mango, many fruits and vegetables, and numerous medicinal herbs. It is one of the more heavily studied plant triterpenes, with extensive laboratory and animal research reporting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and other activities. As with many such triterpenes, this preclinical interest has not yet translated into well-established human clinical evidence.
Toxicity & Safety
Lupeol is a normal component of many edible plants and is generally regarded as low in toxicity, with animal studies reporting good tolerability. Its profile as an isolated, concentrated supplement is less well characterised.