Withanolide




Withanolides are a group of at least 300 naturally occurring chemical compounds. They occur as secondary metabolites primarily in genera of the Nightshade family, for example in the tomatillo.
Structurally, withanolides consist of a steroid backbone bound to a lactone or one of its derivatives; they are produced via oxidation of steroids. It remains unknown to what end withanolides are produced; they may act as deterrent for feeding insect larva and other herbivores.