His faculty adviser is chemistry professor Carl Kemnitz. Ruth Vienote will present research into key biosynthetic processes of the common horehound, known to have medicinal properties. Marrubiin is the major diterpene constituent found in the medicinal herb Marrubium vulgare or common horehound. Her faculty adviser is chemistry professor Roy LaFever. Horehound, a member of the mint family, has been used for centuries to relieve respiratory and bronchial ailments and a compound known as marrubiin has been implicated as the active constituent.
Research indicates marrubiin has biological effects, including anti-viral and antibiotic activities.
Extracts from the plant also repel a number of insect pests making it a promising lead for use as an insecticide. The American Chemical Society meets March 26-31 in San Francisco. More than 8,800 papers will be presented and nearly 18,000 people will attend.