Tigliane

The tigliane diterpenes are a group of novel tetracyclic, biologically active compounds, derivatives of which were first isolated from the seed oil of Croton tiglium.

The PE molecules are dependent on a tetracyclic diterpene carbonic structure termed tigliane. The different hydroxylation points of tigliane determine the different varieties of PE and their toxicity.

The phorbol esters contain tetracyclic diterpene basic skeleton known as tigliane (four rings) and the fatty acids which form ester bonding with the hydroxyl groups in tigliane.