Diterpenes

Diterpenes are terpenoids built from four isoprene units, thus containing 20 carbon atoms with four branched methyl groups, occurring in foods such as coffee beans, marjoram and rosemary. Rosemary diterpenes, carnosol and carnosic acid, show antioxidative activity in foods and are used as natural preservatives. Coffee diterpenes display anticarcinogenic effects in animal studies but may raise cholesterol in humans, illustrating how one compound class can carry both benefit and caution. Supplement makers standardize rosemary extracts on these compounds to guarantee consistent preservative power.