Lupane-type triterpenoids from Microtropis fokienensis and Perrottetia arisanensis and the apoptotic effect of 28-hydroxy-3-oxo-lup-20(29)-en-30-al.

Seven new lupane triterpenoids were isolated from bioactive methanol extracts of Microtropis fokienensis (1- 4) and Perrottetia arisanensis (4-7), along with 18 known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. All triterpenoids were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity toward seven human cancer cell lines. Compound 8 (28-hydroxy-3-oxo-lup-20(29)-en-30-al) was among the most cytotoxic substances obtained and was found to induce apoptosis of human leukemia HL60 cells and mediate cleavage of PARP and up-regulation of Bax proteins.