## 1 Introduction  
Triterpenoids are compounds with a C\({}_{30}\) carbon skeleton made up of six isoprene units and derived biosynthetically from the acyclic hydrocarbon, squalene [1]. The pentacyclic triterpenes can be divided into three main classes: Oleanane, ursane, and lupane. They have relatively complex cyclic structures, bearing either alcohol, aldehyde, or carboxylic acid functionalities, and represent the largest phytochemical group with an estimated more than 20,000 naturally occurring compounds [1; 2]. They are common components of various plants and medicinal herbs such as mistletoe, lavender, oregano, and rosemary, as well as fruits such as apples, cranberries, figs, and olives [3; 4]. Recent pharmacological studies have shown the triterpeno oleanolic and unsolic acids to have several beneficial bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hepatoprotection, and antihyperlipidemia [5; 6]. Triterpenoids are used for medicinal purposes in numerous Asian cultures for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, cardiotonic, and sedative effects [7]. As an important group of phytochemicals that induce numerous biological effects and display different pharmacological activities, triterpenoids are being evaluated for use in new functional foods, drugs, cosmetics, and healthcare products. The multifunctionality of triterpenoids makes them promising multi-targeting agents in the treatment of various diseases [8]. Furthermore, numerous triterpenoids have been shown to exhibit in vitro cytotoxic activity against a variety of tumor-derived cells with much lower toxicity to normal cells [4; 9]. Recent investigations have shown that triterpenes and triterpene acids, derivatives of pentacyclic triterpenes, have a multiplicity of biological effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and anti-microbial activities, combined with low toxicity [10]. Due to their ability to act at various stages in the process of carcinogenesis, such as to block NF-\(\star\)B activation, induce apoptosis, and inhibit proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis, these compounds may be considered for use in both chemopre and chemotherapy of cancer [11; 12]. _Dracocophilum heterophyllum_ Benth. (Lamiaceae) is one of thirty-two species of the genus _Dracocophilum_ distributed in China [13]. It is traditionally used as an herb in Xinjiang and Tibet regions of China. Infusion of the plant is used for heart palpitations, neuralgia, migraine, headaches, and aches of catarrhal diseases. Fresh crushed leaves accelerate the healing of purulent wounds. The plant used has been widely utilized in the Amchi medical system in the Ladakh region of the Himalaya for centuries. The decoction of dried flowers and leaves is used to treat cells, coughs, and headaches [14]; the plant enhances digestion and stimulates the appetite. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-hepatitis, antioxidant, analgesic, and anticonvulsant effects of _D. heterophyllum_ have been documented in previous scientific reports [15; 16]. A systematic study of _D. heterophyllum_ growing in Atush, Kashgar (Xinjiang) has not yet been carried out. Thus, the systematic evaluation of the chemical constituents was undertaken as an effort to discover bioactive compounds from this plant. In addition, the methods for selectively extracting a class of naturally bioactive compounds were developed for discovery of new medicines and herbal remedies for further pharmacological studies. Screening plant material in the search for triterpenoid-rich plant tissues has identified _D. heterophyllum_ as a promising and highly evaluable resource. In our investigation we determined the oleanane and unsane types (oleanolic and unsolic acids) from the above-ground parts of _D. heterophyllum_. Their chemical structure is presented in Figure 1.  
Figure 1: The chemical structure of pentacyclic triterpenes oleanolic (**1**) and unsolic (**2**) acids. Previously, the investigation of the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of _D.