Ambrein
<templatestyles src="Chembox/styles.css"/>
Template:Chembox image cellTemplate:Chembox AllOtherNamesTemplate:Chembox headerbarTemplate:Chembox IndexlistTemplate:Chembox JmolTemplate:Chembox ChEMBLTemplate:Chembox ECHATemplate:Chembox E numberTemplate:Chembox IUPHAR ligandTemplate:Chembox UNIITemplate:Chembox CompToxTemplate:Chembox headerbarTemplate:Chembox Datapage checkTemplate:Chembox Footer| Template:Longitem | Template:Unbulleted list |
| ChEBI | Template:Unbulleted list |
| ChemSpider | Template:Unbulleted list |
| DrugBank | Template:Unbulleted list |
| EC Number | Template:Unbulleted list |
| KEGG | Template:Unbulleted list |
| Template:Longitem | Template:Unbulleted list |
| RTECS number | Template:Unbulleted list |
| Script error: No such module "collapsible list". | |
| Script error: No such module "collapsible list". | |
| Template:Longitem | Template:Chembox Elements/molecular formula |
| Molar mass | Template:Chem molar mass |
Template:Chembox Footer/trackingScript error: No such module "TemplatePar".Template:Short description
Ambrein is a triterpene alcohol that is the chief constituent of ambergris, a secretion from the digestive system of the sperm whale. It has been suggested as the possible active component producing the supposed aphrodisiac effects of ambergris.[1] Although ambrein itself is odorless, it serves as the biological precursor for aromatic derivatives such as ambroxide and is thought to possess fixative properties for other odorants.
It has been shown to act as an analgesic[2] and has been proven to increase sexual behavior in rats,[3] providing some support for its traditional aphrodisiac use.
Apart from its supposed aphrodisiac effects, ambrein has been shown to decrease spontaneous contractions of smooth muscles in rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. It reduces these contractions by serving as an antagonist and interfering with Ca2+ ions from outside the cell.[4]
Discovery
In 1946, Ruzicka and Lardon "established that the fragrance of ambergris is based on the triterpene (named) ambrein".[5][6][7]
Biosynthesis
Ambrein is synthesized from the common triterpenoid precursor squalene. The squalene-hopene cyclase (SHC) catalyzes the cyclization of squalene into the monocyclic 3-deoxyachilleol A. Tetraprenyl-beta-curcumene synthase (BmeTC) converts 3-deoxyachilleol A into the tricyclic ambrein.[8]
References
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".