Shayan Amiri, Sanaz Dastghaib, Mazaher Ahmadi, Parvaneh Mehrbod, Forough Khadem, Hamid Behrouj, Mohamad-Reza Aghanoori, Filip Machaj, Mahdi Ghamsari, Jakub Rosik, Andrzej Hudecki, Abbas Afkhami, Mohammad Hashemi, Marek J Los, Pooneh Mokarram, Tayyebeh Madrakian,  Saeid Ghavami

Abstract

Betulin (B) and Betulinic acid (BA) are natural pentacyclic lupane-structure triterpenoids which possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. Recent evidence indicates that B and BA have several properties useful for the treatment of metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders. In the current review, we discuss B and BA structures and derivatives and then comprehensively explain their pharmacological effects in relation to various diseases. We also explain antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer effects of B and BA. Finally, we discuss the delivery methods, in which these compounds most effectively target different systems.