Neuroprotective properties of compounds of vegetable origin: pentacyclic triterpenes
Monika Orłowska-Majdak

The brain is a structure of great variability during the ontogenetic human life. In the first period of life, changes in its structure and activities are due to the processes of development and maturation. Then, due to the remarkable synaptic plasticity, individual brain centres adapt to the requirements of the environment in which the man lives, and his lifestyle. After the age of 40 years, apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death of neurons begins. In a state of disease, the process of necrosis or aponecrosis may cause additional destruction of neurons. The process of neurogenesis based on local or transplanted brain stem cells has a repairing effect in the damaged structures, but may be also associated with psychiatric and neurological diseases. Underlying processes of neuroprotection include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic processes and antidestructive action of Ca. Phytotherapy based on compounds of plant origin has been found to have a supporting function in neuroprotection. In recent years, particular attention is paid to neuroprotective properties of pentacyclic triterpenes and their derivatives. The article presents neuroprotective properties of ursolic, oleanolic, maslinic, asiatic, betulinic, boswellic acid and triterpene saponins from Bupleurum and Panax ginseng. Ginseng saponins additionally increase neurogenesis in the brain. The possibility of using these triterpene compounds in the treatment of many neurological and psychiatric diseases has been suggested. However, it should be pointed out that the direction of their action may depend on the dosage, they may have a different effect on various types of neurons, and they can interact with other drugs used simultaneously. Most of the experiments using triterpenes were performed on animals or cell cultures. Further studies in humans are required to further determine triterpene effect in humans.