The pseudoguaianolide isoconfertiflorin

The sesquiterpene lactone isoconfertiflorin, C₁₇H₂₂O₅, 1, crystallizes in trigonal space group P3₁ with a = 10.4498(5), c = 12.7516(8) Å, V = 1205.9(2) ų, and Z = 3. It differs from confertiflorin in having an endocyclic C=C bond in the lactone ring, which carries an exocyclic methyl group. The seven-membered ring adopts an approximate twist-chair conformation with C10 lying in the local two-fold axis, and asymmetry parameter C₂ = 5.8°. The cyclopentanone ring has the half-chair conformation with C4 on the local two-fold axis, and C₂ = 0.9°. The lactone ring is almost planar with maximum deviation 0.014(2) Å. Both methyl groups on the 7-membered ring are –oriented. The acetyl group at C8 has an orientation.     

Parthenin—A Sesquiterpene Lactone with Multifaceted Biological Activities: Insights and Prospects

Parthenin, a sesquiterpene lactone of pseudoguaianolide type, is the representative secondary metabolite of the tropical weed Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae). It accounts for a multitude of biological activities, including toxicity, allergenicity, allelopathy, and pharmacological aspects of the plant. Thus far, parthenin and its derivatives have been tested for chemotherapeutic abilities, medicinal properties, and herbicidal/pesticidal activities. However, due to the lack of toxicity–bioactivity relationship studies, the versatile properties of parthenin are relatively less utilised. The possibility of exploiting parthenin in different scientific fields (e.g., chemistry, medicine, and agriculture) makes it a subject of analytical discussion. The present review highlights the multifaceted uses of parthenin, on-going research, constraints in the practical applicability, and the possible workarounds for its successful utilisation. The main aim of this comprehensive discussion is to bring parthenin to the attention of researchers, pharmacologists, natural product chemists, and chemical biologists and to open the door for its multidimensional applications.