Withanolides
Sign in to savethumb|Withaferin A thumb|Salpichrolid A thumb|Nicandrenon-1 thumb|Ixocarpalacton A Withanolides are a group of at least 300 naturally occurring steroids built on an ergostane skeleton. They occur as secondary metabolites primarily in genera of the Nightshade family, for example in the tomatillo.
Article
2 sectionsContents
- Examples
- References
thumb|Withaferin A thumb|Salpichrolid A thumb|Nicandrenon-1 thumb|Ixocarpalacton A Withanolides are a group of at least 300 naturally occurring steroids built on an ergostane skeleton. They occur as secondary metabolites primarily in genera of the Nightshade family, for example in the tomatillo.
Structurally, withanolides consist of a steroid backbone bound to a lactone or one of its derivatives; they are produced via oxidation of steroids. It remains unknown to what end withanolides are produced; they may act as a deterrent for feeding insect larvae and other herbivores.