Cucurbitacin

    Cucurbitacin B

    C32H50O6

    Cucurbitacin B is a tetracyclic triterpenoid compound primarily found in plants of the Cucurbitaceae family, such as cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons. It belongs to a class of highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenes known for their bitter taste, which serves as a natural defense mechanism against herbivores. Chemically, it features a complex structure with multiple rings, including ketone and hydroxyl functional groups, contributing to its bioactivity. Cucurbitacin B has been extensively studied in peer-reviewed literature for its pharmacological properties, including potent anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiproliferative effects. It inhibits key signaling pathways like JAK-STAT and NF-κB, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells and showing potential in treating conditions like leukemia and breast cancer. However, its therapeutic use is limited by its toxicity profile. Physically, it appears as a white to yellowish crystalline solid with low volatility. In food contexts, cucurbitacins are undesirable due to their bitterness and potential health risks, often leading to the breeding of low-cucurbitacin varieties in agriculture. Research from sources like PubChem and scientific journals highlights its role in plant biochemistry and ethnomedicine, though it is not classified as GRAS by regulatory bodies like the FDA due to toxicity concerns.

    Chemical Properties

    Volatility

    Non-volatile

    Does not evaporate readily — minimal aroma contribution

    Chemical Behavior

    Aroma Pattern:Aroma profile varies with temperature

    No sensory data available for this chemical component.