Steganacin is an dibenzocyclooctadiene lactone, an unusual type of

lignan The lignans are a large group of low molecular weight polyphenols found in plants, particularly seeds, whole grains, and vegetables. The name derives from the Latin word for "wood". Lignans are precursors to phytoestrogens. They may play a rol ...

. It exhibits some antileukemic properties ''

in vitro ''In vitro'' (meaning ''in glass'', or ''in the glass'') Research, studies are performed with Cell (biology), cells or biological molecules outside their normal biological context. Colloquially called "test-tube experiments", these studies in ...

''. It has been isolated from '' Steganotaenia araliacea''. (−)-Steganacin is the natural form.

Notes

Lignans Antineoplastic drugs Benzodioxoles Heterocyclic compounds with 5 rings Acetate esters Methoxy compounds Lactones {{aromatic-stub