Compound Monograph
Achillicin
Achillicin is a sesquiterpene lactone (proazulene) from yarrow that contributes to the blue color of its distilled oil.
Classification
Achillicin is a sesquiterpene lactone (guaianolide proazulene), part of the terpenoids class. The largest class of plant compounds, built from five-carbon isoprene units — the essential-oil aromatics, resins, bitter principles, saponins, and plant sterols.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Achillicin is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone (guaianolide proazulene), found in Yarrow.
Research & Evidence
Achillicin is a guaianolide-type sesquiterpene lactone found in yarrow (Achillea millefolium). It is a proazulene, meaning it is converted during steam distillation into the blue compound chamazulene, which gives yarrow’s essential oil its characteristic blue colour. Beyond its role as a chamazulene precursor, little about achillicin is well established.