Abietane acids: sources, biological activities, and therapeutic uses

The biological activities of natural abietane acids and their derivatives have been reviewed from 1967 to 1992. Antimicrobial, antiulcer, and cardiovascular activities are the most representative for this class of diterpenoids, while others like allergenic, antiallergic, filmogenic, surfactant, antifeedant, etc. activities, which determine several uses of abietane acids, have also been reported.