Oleanolic Acid TCI O0317

TCI O0317 Oleanolic Acid (CAS 508-02-1) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid with an oleanane skeleton that carries a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group. The compound occurs widely in nature, for example in olive leaves, in many medicinal plants, and in the waxy coating of fruit peels. In the laboratory, oleanolic acid serves as a biochemical research material, as a reference compound for phytochemical analysis, and as a starting material for the semisynthesis of triterpenoid derivatives. TCI lists it under crude medicine ingredients for research and experimental use. It is intended for research only and must not be consumed.

Researchers choose oleanolic acid because its triterpenoid skeleton is rigid and it has two functional groups that are easy to modify. The hydroxyl group can be esterified or oxidized, and the carboxylic acid group can be converted into esters or amides. This makes the compound a common starting point in semisynthesis programs that look for derivatives with better biological activity. Oleanolic acid is also widely studied in anti-inflammatory, liver-protection, and metabolic research. Its low solubility in water is a challenge in its own right, and it has prompted a body of formulation research aimed at improving how the compound can be delivered and tested.

Indonesia has a very large diversity of medicinal plants, and many of them contain triterpenoids. University phytochemistry groups, natural product laboratories, and herbal medicine (jamu) research teams in Indonesia can use oleanolic acid as a reference standard when they identify and quantify triterpenoids in plant extracts. Synthetic and medicinal chemistry laboratories can use it as a starting material for derivative work. Pharmaceutical formulation groups can use it as a model compound with poor water solubility in their research.

• Biochemical research: oleanolic acid gives researchers a well-defined pentacyclic triterpenoid for experimental studies of biological activity, including anti-inflammatory, liver-protection, and metabolic research models.
• Phytochemical reference analysis: the compound works as a reference standard for identifying and comparing triterpenoids in extracts from olive leaves, medicinal plants, and fruit peel wax.
• Semisynthesis of triterpenoid derivatives: the hydroxyl group can be esterified or oxidized and the carboxylic acid can be converted into esters or amides, so chemists can build a range of derivatives from one rigid skeleton.
• Structure-activity relationship studies: modifying the two functional groups lets research teams compare how changes to the structure affect biological activity across a series of related triterpenoid compounds.
• Formulation research: because oleanolic acid dissolves poorly in water, it is a practical model compound for studies that test strategies to improve the solubility and delivery of hydrophobic natural products.

Store oleanolic acid in its original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, unless the TCI label specifies other conditions. Reseal the container promptly after each use to protect the material from humidity and contamination. Use clean, dry spatulas and weighing equipment, and label any portions transferred to secondary containers. Handle the material with standard laboratory protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat, and avoid generating or inhaling dust. Read the Safety Data Sheet before use and dispose of waste according to local regulations. This product is for research and experimental use only and is not for human or animal consumption.

—