Lead Compound Identification Through Comparative ADMET Profiling of Sterols and Triterpenes from Caloncoba glauca (Flacourtiaceae)
Identification d’un Chef de File à Partir des Profils ADMET Comparés de Stérols et Triterpènes Isolés de Caloncoba glauca (Flacourtiaceae)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17648087Keywords:
Sterol, Triterpenes, Friedelanes, ADMETAbstract
RÉSUMÉ
Introduction. Les plantes médicinales africaines constituent une source prometteuse de molécules bioactives, mais leur développement pharmacologique nécessite une évaluation précoce des propriétés pharmacocinétiques. Caloncoba glauca, utilisée en médecine traditionnelle camerounaise, renferme des stérols et triterpènes aux potentialités thérapeutiques méconnues. Cette étude visait à caractériser les propriétés ADMET des composés isolés de ses écorces de tronc pour identifier les candidats les plus prometteurs. Méthodologie. Nous avons conduit une étude expérimentale couplée à des analyses computationnelles. Cinq composés majeurs ont été isolés par chromatographie et leur structure établie par spectroscopie RMN ¹³C. Les propriétés pharmacocinétiques ont été prédites à l'aide des plateformes SwissADME et Deep-PK selon une approche in silico. Résultats. L'analyse a identifié β-sitostérol, stigmastérol, spinastérol, friedélanone et friedélanol. Les triterpènes ont montré une lipophilie élevée et une faible solubilité aqueuse, limitant leur absorption orale mais offrant une stabilité chimique favorable aux dérivations structurales. Les stérols ont présenté des profils ADMET plus équilibrés, avec une meilleure absorption et tolérance prédites. Le friedélanol s'est distingué comme le triterpène le plus prometteur, tandis que le spinastérol a affiché le profil pharmacocinétique global le plus favorable. Conclusion. Notre approche intégrée identifie le spinastérol comme chef de file pour un développement ultérieur. Ces résultats guident l'optimisation rationnelle des composés naturels camerounais et valident l'utilité des prédictions in silico dans la valorisation des ressources phytochimiques africaines.
ABSTRACT
Introduction. African medicinal plants represent a promising source of bioactive molecules, but their pharmacological development requires early evaluation of pharmacokinetic properties. Caloncoba glauca, used in Cameroonian traditional medicine, contains sterols and triterpenes with poorly understood therapeutic potential. This study aimed to characterize the ADMET properties of compounds isolated from its stem barks to identify the most promising candidates. Methodology. We conducted an experimental study coupled with computational analyses. Five major compounds were isolated by chromatography and their structure established by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Pharmacokinetic properties were predicted using SwissADME and Deep-PK platforms through an in silico approach. Results. The analysis identified β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, spinasterol, friedelin and friedelan-3β-ol. Triterpenes showed high lipophilicity and low aqueous solubility, limiting oral absorption but offering chemical stability favorable to structural derivatization. Sterols displayed more balanced ADMET profiles, with better predicted absorption and tolerance. Friedelan-3β-ol stood out as the most promising triterpene, while spinasterol showed the most favorable overall pharmacokinetic profile. Conclusion. Our integrated approach identifies spinasterol as a lead compound for further development. These results guide rational optimization of Cameroonian natural compounds and validate the utility of in silico predictions in valorizing African phytochemical resources.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Nko’o MHJ, Ngo Nyobe JC, Nko’o Ntyam DL, Foumane Maniepi JS, Soppo Lobe C V, Obono Fouda P, Ndom JC, Nnanga Nga, Mpondo Mpondo EA

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