Guaianolides for multipurpose molecular design

Abstract

Guaianolides constitute a large and diverse group of biologically active sesquiterpenes from plants belong to the Compositae and Umbelliferae families. These compounds show a widely highlighted phytotoxic activity and also antifungal, bactericidal, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In this sense, dehydrocostuslactone (DHC) has shown high activity in bioassays for phytotoxicity. DHC also has cytotoxic, fungicidal and antiviral activities. Consequently, the same compound has potential uses for the inhibition of plant growth and as a pharmaceutical. DHC could be used as a germination stimulator, with a clear agronomic use for parasitic weeds. A collection of new compounds, guaianestrigolactones, were synthesized and tested using this natural guaianolide as starting material.