MOLECULE

3,7(11)-Eudesmadiene

3,7(11)-Eudesmadiene belongs to the class of organic compounds known as sesquiterpenoids. Sesquiterpenes are terpenes that contain 15 carbon atoms and are comprised of three isoprene units. The biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes is known to occur mainly through the mevalonic acid pathway (MVA), in the cytosol. However, recent studies have found evidence of pathway crosstalk with the methyl-eritritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway in the plastid (PMID: 19932496, 17710406). Farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of cyclic sesquiterpenes. FPP undergoes several cyclization reactions to yield a diverse number of cyclic arrangements. 3,7(11)-Eudesmadiene has been reported with the highest concentration within gingers. 3,7(11)-Eudesmadiene has also been detected, but not quantified, in alcoholic beverages and fats and oils. Eudesma-3,7(11)- diene has also been reported as a component of cannabis plants (PMID: 26657499).