User:Bhc2004/sandbox/helenin

Helenin is a phytochemical sesquiterpenoid lactone (a mixture of alantolactone and its isomer) found in many plant species, including the Inula Helenium (Asteraceae family). It has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for such maladies as: dropsy, menstrual disorders, digestive upsets, coughs, bronchitis, asthma and and sciatica. in 1895 a German Scientist, extracted Helenin from Inula Helenium, and determined its physical and chemical properties. Since then others in the scientific and medical community have investigated the bioactivity of Helenin to confirm or refute the herbalist claims about this phytochemical. Research has shown that Helenin has a positive effect against some cancers. It has proven to be effective in the treatment of inflammation, bacterial infections, asthma, some cardiovascular diseases, diarrhea, fungus infections, roundworms and migraines.

Bhc2004/sandbox/helenin

Alantolactone (a white crystalline lactone obtained from elecampane root) isoalantolactone (a white crystalline lactone obtained from elecampane root)
Names
IUPAC name 3aR,5S,8aR,9aR)-5,8a-Dimethyl-3-methylene-3a,5,6,7,8,8a,9,9a-octahydronaphtho[2,3-b]furan-2(3H)-one
Other names Alantoactone, Elecampane camphor, Helenin, Inula camphor, Alant camphor,
Identifiers
Properties
Chemical formula	C15H20O2
Molar mass	232.32 g/mol
Appearance	Crystalline Powder
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Natural Sources:

Alantolactone occurs in the roots of elecampane (inula helenium) and other and other inula species.