MOLECULE

Ledol

Ledol belongs to the class of organic compounds known as 5,10-cycloaromadendrane sesquiterpenoids. These are aromadendrane sesquiterpenoids that arise from the C5-C10 cyclization of the aromadendrane skeleton. It is formally classified as a cyclic alcohol although it is biochemically a sesquiterpenoid as it is synthesized via isoprene units. These 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-erythritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway in the cytosol. 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. Ledol is a neutral, hydrophobic molecule that is essentially insoluble in water. Ledol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene found in plants such as cannabis (PMID: 6991645), labrador tea (an herbal tea), eucalyptus, cloves, guava, peppermint, sage, thyme and in flowering plants (https://dx.doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/1239279). It is known to have some toxic effects and if consumed in sufficiently high quantities can cause cramps, paralysis, and delirium (PMID: 25156477). Ledol also appears to have insecticidal or larvicidal activities (PMID: 25156477).