The invention provides the application of
betulinic acid and salts thereof suitable for medical purpose in the preparation of a
drug of a
glycosidase inhibitor. The compound of the invention is the compound of
lupeol type pentacyclic
triterpene acid obtained by separating
lagerstroemia plants. Pharmacological tests prove that the compound has obvious effect in inhibiting Alpha-
glucosidase, the inhibitory activity of which exceeds
acarbose 100% for initial therapy. Therefore,
drug compositions made from the compound or the salts thereof suitable for medical purpose and
drug excipients or carriers allowable for preparation can be applied to the preparation of drugs for preventing or treating
Type II Diabetes, namely, noninsulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus. The constitutional formula shown in formula (1) of the invention is shown as above.