Sesquiterpenes

Ledol is a poisonous sesquiterpene that can cause cramps, paralysis, and delirium. Caucasian peasants used Rhododendron plants for these effects in shamanistic rituals. Ledol resides in the essential oils of certain plants and when crushed, these oils are released. One of the plants with the highest concentration of these essential oils is Rhododendron tomentosum.

Nardosinone is a sesquiterpene and chemical constituent of Nardostachys jatamansi. In in vitro studies, the compound has demonstrated concentration-dependent enhancement of bucladesine and staurosporine-induced neurite outgrowth. Nardosinone has similarly been demonstrated to enhance NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis from PC12D cells.