Gamma-lactones

Pilocarpine is a lactone alkaloid originally extracted from plants of the Pilocarpus genus. It is used as a medication to reduce pressure inside the eye and treat dry mouth. As an eye drop it is used to manage angle closure glaucoma until surgery can be performed, ocular hypertension, primary open angle glaucoma, and to constrict the pupil after dilation. However, due to its side effects, it is no longer typically used for long-term management. Onset of effects with the drops is typically within an hour and lasts for up to a day. By mouth it is used for dry mouth as a result of Sjögren's disea

γ-Butyrolactone (GBL) or '''gamma-butyrolactone''' is an organic compound with the formula . It is a hygroscopic, colorless, water-miscible liquid with a pleasant odor. It is the simplest 4-carbon lactone. It is mainly used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.

Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is the active ingredient in Podofilox, a medical cream used to treat genital warts and molluscum contagiosum. It is not recommended for HPV infections without external warts. It can be applied either by a healthcare provider or the patient themselves.

Glucuronolactone or Glucurolactone (INN) is a naturally occurring substance that is an important structural component of nearly all connective tissues. It is sometimes used in energy drinks. Unfounded claims that glucuronolactone can be used to reduce "brain fog" are based on research conducted on energy drinks that contain other active ingredients that have been shown to improve cognitive function, such as caffeine. Glucuronolactone is also found in many plant gums.

γ-Valerolactone (GVL) or gamma-valerolactone is an organic compound with the formula C5H8O2. This colourless liquid is one of the more common lactones. GVL is chiral but is usually used as the racemate. It is readily obtained from cellulosic biomass and is a potential fuel and green solvent.

Teniposide (trade name Vumon) is a chemotherapeutic medication used in the treatment of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), Hodgkin's lymphoma, certain brain tumours, and other types of cancer. It is in a class of drugs known as podophyllotoxin derivatives and slows the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Santonin is a drug which was widely used in the past as an anthelminthic. It is a terpenoid and an organic compound consisting of colorless flat prisms, turning slightly yellow from the action of light and soluble in alcohol, chloroform and boiling water.

γ-Decalactone is a lactone and aroma compound with the chemical formula C10H18O2. It has an intense peach flavour, naturally present in many fruits and fermentations. It is particularly important in the formulation of peach, apricot, and strawberry flavourants for drinks, food, personal care products, pharmaceutical drugs, and household goods.

thumb|Chemical structure of gingkolide B

chemical compound

γ-Nonalactone is an organic compound with the formula cyclo-. It is a weakly volatile liquid that is colorless when pure, but typical samples are not. It is one of several gamma lactones. Most have fruity scents and several are used commercially.

Spirodiclofen is an acaricide and insecticide used in agriculture to control mites and San Jose scale. In the United States, it is used on citrus, grapes, pome fruit, stone fruit, and tree nut crops.

Artemisin is a sesquiterpene lactone, similar in structure to α-santonin.

Coriamyrtin is a toxic γ-lactone naturally present in a multitude of plants.

γ-Octalactone is an organic compound with the chemical formula C8H14O2. It is classified as lactone and used as an fragrance It has a coconut flavor.