Ecdysteroid

Ecdysteroids are insect moulting and sex hormones[1] which include ecdysone and its homologues such as 20-hydroxyecdysone. Ecdysteroids also occur in other invertebrates where they can play a different role. They also appear in many plants mostly as a protection agents (toxins or antifeedants) against herbivore insects. These phytoecdysteroids have medicinal value and are part of herbal adaptogenic remedies like cordyceps.

See also

References

  1. ^ De Loof A (October 2006). "Ecdysteroids: the overlooked sex steroids of insects? Males: the black box". Insect Science 13 (5): 325–338. doi:10.1111/j.1744-7917.2006.00101.x.