Several approaches have been examined to prevent the formation of bitterness in orange juice. Medicinals Ginkgolides are one set of active ingredients of Ginkgo biloba , an important herbal medicine. These compounds are involved in increasing capillary blood flow in the brain and improve brain function. Forskolin, from Coleus forskohlii is an active inhibitor of adenylate cyclase. Allomones Many types of diterpenes are allomonal in action.
Resins often flow over and capture small insects.
Many diterpenes, expecially highly oxygenated ones, are antifeedant to insects. Others, such as the enmeins possess insect feeding-deterrent activity. Trachyloban and other diterpenes from Helianthus species also protect the plants from insect attack. They mostly appear to be diterpenes with an extra 5-carbon unit attached.