Triterpenoids are structurally diverse organic compounds that exist widely as natural products. Triterpenoids and their derivatives possess a wide range of biological effects including hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and antitumor activities. In particular, the lupane-, oleanane-, and ursane-type triterpenes have been reported to exhibit pharmacological effects without prominent toxicity even at higher concentrations. Whereas, the poor drug-like properties (e.g., low solubility and selectivity, poor bioavailability, and short half-life) severely limit their applications. This review summarized the advances in prodrug strategies for improving the drug-like properties of different types of triterpenoids, and the information indicated in the review will surely stimulate further efforts toward the development of these compounds for potential clinical uses. Display omitted •Many triterpenoids are biologically active molecules with poor drug-like properties.•Prodrug strategies for improving their drug-like properties are reviewed.•Synthetic routes to various types of prodrugs are provided.