The first total synthesis of lupeol was reported by Gilbert Stork et al.
In 2009, Surendra and Corey reported a more efficient and enantioselective total synthesis of lupeol, starting from  (1E,5E)-8-[(2S)-3,3-dimethyloxiran-2-yl]-2,6-dimethylocta-1,5-dienyl acetate by use of a polycyclization.