Catalpol (CT)

Catalpol is an iridoid glucoside . This natural product falls in the class of iridoid glycosides, which are simply monoterpenes with a glucose molecule attached. Although the pharmacological action of catalpol as well as many other iridoids has not been fully established, there is evidence that their primary function is to stimulate the production of adrenal cortical hormones, which increases the production of sex hormones. Catalpol also exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and has shown to increase the production of androgens yielded by the adrenal gland, which can lead to increases in muscle mass. It is found in plants belonging to several families. Because they feed on these plants, Variable Checkerspot butterflies contain high amounts of catalpol, which makes them unpalatable to predators and thus serves as a defense mechanism.