Labdane is a natural bicyclic
diterpene
Diterpenes are a class of terpenes composed of four isoprene units, often with the molecular formula C20H32. They are biosynthesized by plants, animals and fungi via the HMG-CoA reductase pathway, with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate being a primary ...
. It forms the structural core for a wide variety of
natural product
A natural product is a natural compound or substance produced by a living organism—that is, found in nature. In the broadest sense, natural products include any substance produced by life. Natural products can also be prepared by chemical s ...
s collectively known as ''labdanes'' or ''labdane diterpenes''. The labdanes were so named because the first members of the class were originally obtained from
labdanum, a resin derived from the
gum rockrose.
A variety of biological activities have been determined for labdane diterpenes including antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and anti-inflammatory activities. Natural labdanes in
tree
In botany, a tree is a perennial plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, usually supporting branches and leaves. In some usages, the definition of a tree may be narrower, e.g., including only woody plants with secondary growth, only ...
resin
A resin is a solid or highly viscous liquid that can be converted into a polymer. Resins may be biological or synthetic in origin, but are typically harvested from plants. Resins are mixtures of organic compounds, predominantly terpenes. Commo ...
are believed to be the precursors of
amber
Amber is fossilized tree resin. Examples of it have been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since the Neolithic times, and worked as a gemstone since antiquity."Amber" (2004). In Maxine N. Lurie and Marc Mappen (eds.) ''Encyclopedia ...
, which polymerise under great pressure.
Example labdane derivatives
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Forskolin
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Galanolactone
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Isocupressic acid - is an abortifacient component of ''
Cupressus macrocarpa
''Hesperocyparis macrocarpa'' also known as ''Cupressus macrocarpa'', or the Monterey cypress is a coniferous tree, and is one of several species of Cupressaceae, cypress trees native to California.
The Monterey cypress is found naturally only ...
''.
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Medigenin
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Sclareol
Sclareol is a fragrant chemical compound found in '' Salvia sclarea'', from which it derives its name. It is classified as a bicyclic diterpene alcohol. It is an amber colored solid with a sweet, balsamic scent.
In an experiment in which scla ...
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Stemodene
See also
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Abietane
References
{{reflist
Diterpenes
Decalins