What Is Betulinic Acid?
What Is Betulinic Acid?

Betulinic acid is a chemical that occurs naturally in the bark of several plant species, but most prevalently in that of the white birch and Ber trees. It also appears significantly in tropical carnivorous plants, trees in the persimmon family, flowering quince, selfheal, Pulsatilla chinensis, jambul and rosemary. Though flammable, it is neither unstable nor a health hazard, according to Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.

Anti-cancer action

Betulinic acid causes cell death via the mitochondria selectively in cancerous cells, according to Simone Fulda in a June 2008 article in the "International Journal of Mollecular Sciences." Normal cells, on the other hand, are resistant to the effects of betulinic acid. There are various mechanisms by which a cell can trigger apoptosis, or voluntary cell death, through chemical signals, much in the same way that chemical prompts can trigger a cell to divide. Betulinic acid initiates this process through the mitochondria in cancerous cells, rendering it a promising potential cancer treatment that, according to Fulda, could be even more effective than chemotherapy.

Effects from Ingestion

You cannot derive betulinic acid s benefits from simply ingesting it. It is nontoxic, however, so severe effects from ingestion are unlikely. Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc. indicates that swallowing betulinic acid does not usually more than drinking a glass of water to dilute the substance in your system, although it does recommend that you contact a Poison Control Center or doctor immediately for advice. In some cases, it may worsen the condition of organs that are already damaged.

Effects from External Exposure

If the chemical gets in your eyes, immediately flush them well with water. You may have some stinging, redness or abrasive damage, in which case contact your doctor. Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc. says betulinic acid will not hurt your skin, but it could be damaging if it enters the bloodstream through cuts and abrasions. Wear gloves when dealing with the substance in an industrial setting. Inhalation usually will not cause detrimental effects, but it could exacerbate conditions like chronic bronchitis. http://www.skyherb.cn/FeaturedproductsDetails_462.htm