Withanolide

Withanolides are a group of at least 300 naturally occurring steroids built on an ergostane skeleton. They are secondary metabolites found mainly in genera of the nightshade family, including tomatillo. Their structure consists of a steroid backbone bound to a lactone or a derivative of one, and they are produced through steroid oxidation. Their biological purpose is unknown, though they may deter insect larvae and other herbivores from feeding.

Chemical class

Structural class of chemical entities

Structure

Steroid backbone bound to a lactone or derivative

Occurrence

Primarily found in nightshade-family genera