Mini Rev Med Chem. 2026 Oct 7. doi: 10.2174/0113895575464829260930100840. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Lupeol has drawn a significant attention due to its broad-spectrum pharmacological activity as a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid isolated from abundant plant sources. It exhibits antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and cardioprotective activities through the interaction of key signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt. This review presents an overview of recent advances in the use of lupeol for chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic syndromes, inflammatory conditions, and neurological diseases. Specific focus is on new formulation solutions designed to surmount the key limitations affecting lupeol, including its very low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability. Such strategies include lipid nanoparticles, polymeric carriers, nano-formulations, and chemical moieties that enhance drug stability and targeted delivery. Moreover, the review highlights the combinatorial usage of lupeol with other plant components and conventional drugs and their synergistic effects. Recent cosmeceutical applications of lupeol, especially in skin care, wound healing, and UV protection, are also discussed. In summary, this review aims to compile recent advances in lupeol pharmacology and formulation research, whilst identifying knowledge gaps that need to be addressed before subsequent clinical/ industrial progression.
PMID:42865181 | DOI:10.2174/0113895575464829260930100840