12hydroxyferruginol

12-hydroxyferruginol is a natural product in the ferruginol family of diterpenoids. It is a hydroxylated derivative of ferruginol, with a single hydroxyl group positioned at carbon 12 on the abietane-type skeleton. The compound retains the tetracyclic ring system common to ferruginol and related abietane diterpenes, but carries the additional hydroxyl substituent that modulates its polarity and reactivity.

It has been reported from plant sources known to produce ferruginol and related abietane diterpenes. It typically arises in resinous tissues or essential oil extracts, often together with ferruginol and other metabolites in the same pathway.

Like ferruginol, 12-hydroxyferruginol is believed to originate by enzyme-mediated hydroxylation at C12, likely performed by cytochrome P450-type monooxygenases. In isolation, the compound is usually found in nonpolar solvents as a solid or oil; the extra hydroxyl group increases its polarity relative to ferruginol.

Biological studies of ferruginol derivatives have reported antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities. Specific data for 12-hydroxyferruginol may be limited or variable between studies; readers should consult primary literature for detailed activity profiles.