Plaunotol

Plaunotol (18-hydroxygeranylgeraniol) is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C20H34O2. It is a diterpene that was first isolated from Croton sublyratus.

Occurrence
Plaunotol has been identified as present in Croton sublyratus and Croton stellatopilosus. In plants, the compound is biosynthesized by hydroxylation of geranylgeraniol, a reaction which is catalyzed by the enzyme geranylgeraniol 18-hydroxylase. A laboratory synthesis of plaunotol has been reported.

Pharmacology
Plaunotol has antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes gastric ulcers. In Japan, plauntool is used as a pharmaceutical drug under the trade name Kelnac for the treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcers.