Quassin

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Structure of (+)-quassin

Quassin is a white bitter, crystalline substance extracted from the quassia tree. It is used as a medicine in traditional Chinese medicine. Extracts of the Bitter tree are also used as additives in soft drinks.

Although its skeleton possesses 20 carbon atoms Quassin is not a diterpene but a triterpene lactone, which derives from euphol by loss of 10 carbon atoms including C4. Synonyms are (+)-Quassin or Nigakilactone D; Extracts of Quassia amara L. or Picrasma excelsa (Sw.) Planch may be referred to as quassia or Bitter wood extract (synonym).