Ursolic acid, an antagonist for transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a multifunctional cytokine which is involved in extracellular matrix modulation, has a major role in the pathogenesis and progression of fibrotic diseases. We now report the effects of ursolic acid on TGF-beta1 receptor binding and TGF-beta1-induced cellular functions in vitro. Ursolic acid inhibited [(125)I]-TGF-beta1 receptor binding to Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblasts with an IC(50) value of 6.

In vitro TGF-beta1 antagonistic activity of ursolic and oleanolic acids isolated from Clerodendranthus spicatus.

The mechanism of action of the aerial parts of Clerodendranthus spicatus (Thunb.) C.Y.