# Lupeol

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/lupeol
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Fagarsterol, Pentacyclic triterpenoid, Lupeol acetate precursor, β-Lupeol, Clerodol, (3β)-Lup-20(29)-en-3-ol

## Overview

Lupeol is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound found in various fruits and medicinal plants that demonstrates significant anti-cancer properties. This bioactive compound works by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation through multiple molecular pathways.

## Health Benefits

• May help prevent tumor progression and metastasis based on veterinary trial in dogs with oral melanoma (n=20, PMC4251128) • Shows anti-tumor effects in preclinical models of pancreatic, prostate, head/neck, colorectal, and hepatocellular cancers through growth inhibition and apoptosis induction • Demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects in animal models • May provide cardioprotective, [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox), and [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) benefits based on animal studies • Potentially helps overcome chemotherapy resistance by inhibiting ABCG2 in colorectal cancer cells (preclinical evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Lupeol exerts its anti-cancer effects by modulating key signaling pathways including NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK cascades, leading to reduced [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and tumor progression. The compound induces apoptosis through activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 while downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2. Additionally, lupeol inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing VEGF expression and blocks metastasis through reduced matrix metalloproteinase activity.

## Clinical Summary

Clinical evidence for lupeol is limited, with the most significant study being a veterinary trial in 20 dogs with oral melanoma showing potential anti-metastatic effects. Most research consists of preclinical studies demonstrating anti-tumor activity against pancreatic, prostate, head/neck, colorectal, and hepatocellular cancers through growth inhibition and apoptosis induction. While laboratory results are promising across multiple cancer cell lines, human clinical trials are lacking. The evidence suggests potential therapeutic value but requires substantial human research to establish clinical efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Lupeol is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound (molecular formula C30H50O, molecular weight 426.72 g/mol), not a conventional food ingredient with macronutrient or micronutrient content. It is a pure bioactive phytochemical, not a source of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, or minerals in any meaningful dietary sense. Naturally occurring concentrations vary by source: found at approximately 0.1–2% dry weight in mango (Mangifera indica) peel and pulp, present in olive oil at trace levels, found in fig (Ficus species) latex and bark at up to 3–5% of extractable triterpene fraction, and detectable in aloe vera, grape skin, and various medicinal plants. As a pure compound, it is typically studied and supplemented in doses ranging from 25–200 mg/kg body weight in preclinical animal models. Human bioavailability data is limited; as a lipophilic triterpene, oral absorption is expected to be low without lipid-based delivery systems, with enhanced absorption reported when formulated in nanoparticle or liposomal carriers. It undergoes hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and is primarily excreted via bile. No caloric value, fiber content, or micronutrient contribution is attributed to lupeol as an isolated compound. Its biological activity is attributed entirely to its triterpenoid scaffold, which interacts with signaling pathways including STAT3, [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and PI3K/Akt.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages have been established. In veterinary use, 10 mg/kg subcutaneous was used starting twice weekly post-surgery, tapering to monthly. Animal studies have used 40-200 mg/kg orally with no toxicity observed. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for lupeol supplementation in humans is extremely limited due to lack of clinical trials. Based on traditional use of lupeol-containing plants, the compound appears generally well-tolerated, but specific dosage thresholds and long-term safety profiles remain unknown. No documented drug interactions exist, though theoretical concerns include potential enhancement of chemotherapy effects or interference with cancer treatments. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid lupeol supplements due to insufficient safety data, and individuals with existing medical conditions should consult healthcare providers before use.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical evidence is absent; the only clinical trial was conducted in dogs with oral malignant melanoma (n=20, PMC4251128) using 10 mg/kg subcutaneous lupeol, showing prevention of local tumor progression and distant metastasis. Preclinical studies in mouse xenografts demonstrate anti-tumor effects, but no human RCTs or meta-analyses exist.

## Historical & Cultural Context

While lupeol is described as a dietary compound from common fruits and vegetables with reported beneficial properties, the sources provide no specific traditional medicine context or historical uses. Animal model efficacy for various conditions may imply a basis in traditional plant uses, but no traditional systems or durations are detailed.

## Synergistic Combinations

TRAIL, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, other plant triterpenoids, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What foods contain lupeol naturally?

Lupeol is found in mangoes, grapes, strawberries, figs, and olive oil, with mango peels containing some of the highest concentrations. White birch bark and dandelion are also rich botanical sources of this triterpenoid compound.

### How much lupeol should I take for cancer prevention?

No established dosage exists for lupeol supplementation as human clinical trials are lacking. Preclinical studies used doses ranging from 20-100 mg/kg body weight, but these cannot be directly translated to human recommendations without proper clinical validation.

### Can lupeol be taken with chemotherapy drugs?

The interaction between lupeol and chemotherapy drugs is unknown and potentially dangerous without medical supervision. Some studies suggest lupeol may enhance certain cancer treatments, but this could also interfere with established protocols or increase toxicity risks.

### What cancers has lupeol been studied against?

Lupeol has shown anti-cancer activity in preclinical models of pancreatic, prostate, head and neck, colorectal, and hepatocellular cancers. The only clinical evidence comes from a small veterinary trial in dogs with oral melanoma showing reduced metastasis potential.

### Are there any side effects of lupeol supplementation?

Specific side effects of isolated lupeol supplementation are unknown due to lack of human clinical trials. Traditional use of lupeol-containing plants suggests general tolerability, but concentrated supplement forms may have different safety profiles requiring further research.

### What is the current strength of clinical evidence for lupeol's anti-cancer effects in humans?

Most lupeol research has been conducted in preclinical laboratory and animal models, with limited human clinical trials to date. A notable veterinary trial in 20 dogs with oral melanoma showed potential tumor-slowing effects, but this does not directly translate to human efficacy. More rigorous human clinical trials are needed before lupeol can be considered an established cancer treatment or prevention agent.

### Is lupeol safe for long-term supplementation?

Long-term safety data on lupeol supplementation in humans is limited, as most research has focused on short-term dosing in animal and cell studies. While preclinical studies suggest good tolerability, sustained human safety monitoring over months or years has not been extensively documented. Anyone considering long-term lupeol use should consult a healthcare provider, particularly if taking other medications or managing existing health conditions.

### Does lupeol work better in specific forms or delivery methods?

Lupeol is typically available as an isolated compound in supplement form, though bioavailability data comparing different formulations in humans is sparse. Some preclinical studies suggest that lupeol's absorption may be enhanced when taken with dietary fats, but clinical confirmation of optimal delivery methods is lacking. Standardized extract forms or liposomal formulations may offer improved bioavailability, though head-to-head comparisons in humans have not been established.

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