Phorbol esters
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Phorbol esters are a class of chemical compounds found in a variety of plants, particularly in the families Euphorbiaceae and Thymelaeaceae.[1][2] Chemically, they are ester derivatives of the tetracyclic diterpenoid phorbol.
Biological activity
Protein kinase C (PKC) is a phorbol ester receptor.[2][3] Phorbol esters can stimulate PKC in a similar way to diglycerides.[2][3]
Phorbol esters are known for their ability to promote tumors.[2] In particular, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is used as a biomedical research tool in models of carcinogenesis.[4][5]
Plants that contain phorbol esters are often poisonous.[5]