Triterpene Glycosides in Marine Invertebrates

Triterpene glycosides are secondary metabolites prevalent in marine invertebrates, particularly within the class Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers) and other echinoderms. These amphiphilic compounds consist of a hydrophobic triterpene aglycone backbone linked to one or more sugar residues, often decorated with sulphate or acetyl groups. They serve as chemical defences against predators, pathogens and fouling organisms, contributing to ecological success and survival. Structurally diverse, with over 300 characterised variants, triterpene glycosides exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including cytotoxic, antifungal, immunomodulatory and antithrombotic effects. Mechanistic studies reveal membranolytic action, induction of apoptosis and modulation of signalling pathways such as NF-κB and caspase cascades. Beyond ecological roles, these molecules hold promise for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, exemplified by anticancer leads and anti-inflammatory agents. Advances in chromatography, mass spectrometry and molecular networking have accelerated discovery and structural elucidation, while investigations into biosynthetic pathways and structure–activity relationships continue to expand the field. Understanding seasonal, species-specific and habitat-driven variation informs sustainable harvesting and biotechnological production. This research area bridges marine ecology, natural product chemistry and drug discovery, underscoring global significance for health and industry.

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Triterpene Glycosides in Marine Invertebrates publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in triterpene glycosides in marine invertebrates across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Triterpene glycoside: A secondary metabolite composed of a triterpene aglycone linked to one or more sugar moieties, often exhibiting amphiphilic properties.

Saponin: A subclass of triterpene glycosides characterised by soap-like foaming and membranolytic activity.

Aglycone (sapogenin): The non-sugar hydrophobic core of a glycoside that determines its fundamental biological activity.

UHPLC/HR-MS/MS: Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry, an analytical technique for detailed metabolite profiling.

Holothuroidea: A class of echinoderms commonly known as sea cucumbers, rich sources of triterpene glycosides.

References

1. Seasonal and taxa impact on edible sea cucumber's metabolome and in relation to its cytotoxicity as analyzed via UHPLC/HR‐MS/MS‐based molecular networking and chemometrics. Food Frontiers (2024).
2. Saponins of North Atlantic Sea Cucumber: Chemistry, Health Benefits, and Future Prospectives. Marine Drugs (2023).
3. Sea Cucumber Derived Triterpenoid Glycoside Frondoside A: A Potential Anti-Bladder Cancer Drug. Nutrients (2023).