Ferruginol
Ferruginol is a natural phenol and a meroterpene 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 is 2-5 micrograms/milliliter.
Ferruginol has also been found to have antibacterial activity. Gastroprotective effects of ferruginol have also been noted.
