Research progress on triterpenoids in the genus Rubus: a comprehensive review.

The Rubus genus, a critical resource within the Rosaceae family, exhibits extensive distribution across both temperate and tropical regions. The abundant triterpenoids in these plants have garnered considerable attention due to their diverse structures and important biological activities. To date, a variety of triterpenoids have been extracted, and more than 150 species have been sorted out in this paper, comprising 79 ursanes, 24 oleananes, 15 lupeolanes, 6 cucurbitanes, and 26 other types, with ursanes being predominant. These triterpenoids are rich in bioactive compounds, exhibit pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hypoglycaemic, and immune-regulatory effects, traditionally used to treat ailments inflammation, diabetes, and cancer, and have gradually also been applied in agriculture and industry. This paper systematically reviews Rubus triterpenoid advances in structural classification, bioactivities, and analytical techniques. It provides a theoretical foundation for the resource development, in-depth research on pharmacological mechanisms, and the creation of innovative drugs and functional foods.