Plant-derived triterpenoid sweetness inhibitors

J Ethnopharmacol. 1995 Jun 23;47(1):9-26. doi: 10.1016/0378-8741(95)01248-c.

Abstract

Considerable recent attention has been focused on naturally occurring compounds with taste-modifying activity, which are of potential use in both dietary sweetness management and in gaining a better understanding of the sweet taste sensation. This review summarizes information on the phytochemistry and biological activity of more than 40 triterpenoid sweetness inhibitors that have been isolated from the leaves of three medicinal plants, namely, Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae), Ziziphus jujuba P. Miller (Rhamnaceae), and Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (Rhamnaceae).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Antagonism
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Intestinal Absorption / drug effects
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Sweetening Agents / chemistry*
  • Taste / drug effects*
  • Terpenes / metabolism
  • Terpenes / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Sweetening Agents
  • Terpenes
  • Glucose