ambrein
Sign in to saveAmbrein is a triterpene alcohol that is the chief constituent of ambergris, a secretion from the digestive system of the sperm whale. It has been suggested as the possible active component producing the supposed aphrodisiac effects of ambergris. Although ambrein itself is odorless, it serves as the biological precursor for aromatic derivatives such as ambroxide and is thought to possess fixative properties for other odorants.
Article
3 sectionsContents
- Discovery
- Biosynthesis
- References
{{chembox | Verifiedfields = changed | Watchedfields = changed | verifiedrevid = 419851613 | ImageFile = Ambrein.svg | ImageSize = 160 | IUPACName = (1R,2R,4aS,8aS)-1-{(3E)-6-[(1S)-2,2-dimethyl-6-methylidenecyclohexyl]-4-methylhex-3-en-1-yl}-2,5,5,8a-tetramethyldecahydronaphthalen-2-ol | OtherNames = Ambrein |Section1= |Section2= |Section3= }} Ambrein is a triterpene alcohol that is the chief constituent of ambergris, a secretion from the digestive system of the sperm whale. It has been suggested as the possible active component producing the supposed aphrodisiac effects of ambergris. Although ambrein itself is odorless, it serves as the biological precursor for aromatic derivatives such as ambroxide and is thought to possess fixative properties for other odorants.
It has been shown to act as an analgesic and has been proven to increase sexual behavior in rats, providing some support for its traditional aphrodisiac use.