Guaianolide sesquiterpenoids: Pharmacology and biosynthesis

Abstract

Guaianolides are a large group of sesquiterpene lactones of chemotaxonomic as well as biological importance. The ability of the thapsigargins isolated from the genus Thapsia(Apiaceae) to inhibit an intracellular calcium pump and thereby inducing apoptosis has encouraged intensive research in order to develop a new drug, which at present is in clinical trial toward cancer diseases. Several other guaianolides have been investigated as chemotaxonomic markers. In particular, α-methylene guaianolides and guaianolides containing an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety show biological activities.