Lupeol was reported to modulate several molecules, which direct or indirectly play a role in inflammatory processes. Aspirinand the majority of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)inhibit either COX-1, COX-2, or both and exert anti-COX, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic effects in vivo. A mayor clinicalencountered with the use of NSAIDs, is gastrointestinal complica-tions such as gastric ulcers and bleeding due inhibition of COX-1.This is because COX-1 is a constitutive enzyme and essential forthe prostaglandins, which have a strong cytoprotective effect viamucosal defence and repair mechanisms on the gastrointestinalmucosa (Tomisato et al., 2004). Most NSAIDs block prostaglandinssynthesis pathways by inhibiting non-selectively COX enzymes.Therefore, the current interest on new alternative sources of phyto-chemicals with selective inhibition against COX-2 without affectingCOX-1 has been an important task in nutraceutical research, dueto the hypothesized aberrant induction of COX-2, which plays animportant role in carcinogenesis. In this sense, lupeol purified fromQ. obtusata leaves demonstrated a differential effect to inhibit COX-2 without inhibiting COX-1 (Fig. 3), even at concentrations higherthan 6 mg/mL. Based on these results, the use and consumptionof natural sources rich on this compound for the prevention ofpathologies is justified.