What is "ferruginol"

n. (context organic compound English) A diterpene of the abietane chemical class that has been isolated from the needles of the redwood ''Sequoia sempervirens''.

Ferruginol is a natural phenol and a meroterpene (a chemical compound containing a terpenoid substructure) that has been isolated from the needles of the redwood Sequoia sempervirens. The terpenoid part is a diterpene of the abietane chemical class.

Research published in 2005 found that this and other compound of the class from Sequoia have anti-tumor properties, and showed in vitro human colon, breast, and lung tumor reduction and reduction in oncogene transformed cells as well. Specific activity of tumor growth inhibition (GI) is 2-5 micrograms/milliliter.

Ferruginol has also been found to have antibacterial activity. Gastroprotective effects of ferruginol have also been noted.