Oleanane triterpenoids with inhibitory activity against NFAT transcription factor from Liquidambar formosana

In a search for inhibitory components from natural products against NFAT transcription factor, this study investigated the ethyl acetate extract of the fruits of Liquidambar formosana. Four oleanane triterpenoids were isolated and identified to be liquidambaric acid, oleanolic acid, 3alpha-acetoxy-25-hydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid and lantanolic acid. Of these compounds, 3alpha-acetoxy-25-hydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (IC50: 4.63 muM) and lantanolic acid (IC50: 12.62 muM) exhibited strong inhibitory activity against the NFAT transcription factor.