Germacrene

Germacrene

The germacrens are a class of volatile organic hydrocarbons and in particular are of sesquiterpenes.
Germacrene has five isomers respectively named by the letters A, B, C, D, and E.
Among these isomers, an important role is played, in particular, two isomers: germacrene A and germacrene D.
The germacrene A, in the official IUPAC nomenclature is: (1E, 5E, 8S) -1,5-dimethyl-8- (prop-1-en-2-yl) ciclodeca-1,5-diene, while the germacrene D takes the nomenclature of: (S, 1Z, 6Z) -8-isopropyl-1-methyl-5-methylenecyclodeca-1,6-diene.
Being isomers both have identical brute or molecular formula, namely: C15H24.

Germacrens are molecules from the plant world and are produced, especially for their antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, even though they play an important role as pheromones captured by some insects.
Germacrens are contained in the essential oils of some plants, including: false purple nettle (Lamium purpureum L., 1753), in the genus betonica (Stachys L., 1753), and Clausena anisata (Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f . ex Benth.) which contain a high content of germacrene D.
Germacreni are also present in basil (Ocimum basilicum, L., 1753), in davana (Artemisia pallens Wall. Ex DC.), In cubeb (Piper cubeba L.) and other plants.

Warning: The information shown is not medical advice and may not be accurate. The contents are for illustrative purposes only and do not replace medical advice.