Abstract: Lupinane-type pentacyclic triterpenoids are important secondary metabolites in plants and widely distributed in a variety of plants. Because of its extensive and significant bioactivities, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, liver-protecting, immune-regulating and hypoglycemic activities, this compound class is attracting an increasing research interest in the food industry and medicinal field. Currently, most studies on lupine-type pentacyclic triterpenoids mainly focus on betulinic acid, betulinol, lupinol and betulinic acid. In this paper, the biological activities of these compounds, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, liver-protecting and anti-diabetic functions, are summarized, and their distinct mechanisms of action are summarized in order to provide a theoretical basis for further research and application of lupinane-type pentacyclic triterpenoids in the food, healthcare products and medicinal industries.

Key words: lupinane, pentacyclic?triterpenoids, biological activity, mechanism?of?action