5281316

Cucurbitacin B is a type of cucurbitacin characterized by a lanostane skeleton that is extensively substituted with hydroxy, methyl, and oxo groups, and features unsaturation at the 5th and 23rd positions. Additionally, a hydroxy group at the C-25 position is acetylated. This compound falls into the categories of cucurbitacin, secondary alpha-hydroxy ketone, and tertiary alpha-hydroxy ketone, and is derived from a hydride of lanostane. Cucurbitacins are a class of biochemical compounds produced primarily by plants in the pumpkin and gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, serving as a defense mechanism against herbivores. However, these compounds and their derivatives are also found in a variety of other plant families, including Brassicaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Begoniaceae, and others, as well as in some mushrooms (like Russula and Hebeloma) and even certain marine mollusks. These compounds can act as taste deterrents in plants consumed by animals and are present in some edible plants favored by humans, such as cucumbers and zucchinis. In laboratory research, cucurbitacins have shown cytotoxic properties and are being investigated for their potential biological activities. Chemically, cucurbitacins are classified as triterpenes, derived from cucurbitane, a triterpene hydrocarbon. Specifically, they originate from cucurbit-5-ene, or 19(10→9β)-abeo-10α-lanost-5-ene, and often occur as glycosides. While most cucurbitacins are tetracyclic, some, like cucurbitacin S and T, have an additional ring due to formal cyclization between C16 and C24.

GHS Hazard Statements

H300 (100%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

Chemical and Physical Properties

Source: PubChem