Compound Monograph
Germacranolides
A large class of sesquiterpene lactones built on the germacrane skeleton, common in the daisy family.
Sources · 3
Where Does It Come From?
Germacranolides are naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone, found in Many Asteraceae plants and 2 other sources. They are flagged as moderately toxic.
Source Calea zacatechichi Calea ternifolia Herb monograph → 
Source Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium Herb monograph → Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Germacranolides are a large group of sesquiterpene lactones based on the ten-membered germacrane ring fused to a lactone. They are widespread in the Asteraceae (daisy and sunflower family) and are responsible for much of the bitterness of those plants. Many germacranolides show anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity in laboratory studies, and the class as a whole is of interest in natural-product chemistry.
Toxicity & Safety
Sesquiterpene lactones, including germacranolides, are a well-known cause of allergic contact dermatitis in people sensitive to the daisy family. Individual compounds vary widely in potency, and some are notably cytotoxic, so the class is best regarded as biologically active rather than inert.
