Agathic acid
Agathic acid, also known as agathate, is a diterpenoid resin acid naturally found in the resins of coniferous trees, particularly in the family Araucariaceae.
Occurrence and chemical properties
Agathic acid is a component of kauri resin, also known as kauri gum from Agathis species, and is also found in some Araucaria resins. It contributes to the chemical profile and physical properties of those resins and is used as a biomarker in studies of fossil or subfossil resins and amber-like materials.Agathic acid has the following molecular formula, C20H30O4. It is a dicarboxylic or bicyclic carboxylic acid. It is sometimes given the synonym labda-8,13-diene-15,19-dioic acid.
Synthesis and bioactivity
A total synthesis of -agathic acid was first reported in 2016, using andrographolide as starting material in 14 steps.Agathic acid is primarily known as a structural and chemical constituent of resins rather than as a major pharmacological agent. Some resin acids have mild antimicrobial or defensive roles in plants. In modern studies, synthetic derivatives of agathic acid are being investigated for biological effects.
In 2025, a chemical investigation of the fungus Penicillium thomii yielded 14 agathic acid derivatives.