Synthesis and bioactivity of novel nitric oxide-releasing ursolic acid derivatives

A series of furoxan-based novel nitric oxide-donating ursolic acid (UA) derivatives (7a–f) were synthesized, and their cytotoxic activities against HepG2 cells in vitro were evaluated by MTT method. It was found that 7a–d and 7f showed more potent cytotoxic activities than control 5-fluorouracil and UA.