A biogenetically unexpected diterpenoid, teubetonin, has been isolated
from the aerial parts of Teucrium betonicum (Labiatae). Its structure
[(12S)-6 alpha,19;15,16-diepoxy-6 beta-hydroxy-7 18)abeo-neo-cleroda-
4,13(16),14-trien-20,12-olide] was established by spectroscopic means,
including an X-ray diffraction analysis. Teubetonin possesses a new 7
beta-homo-19(5-->18)abeo-neo-clerodane skeleton, the biogenesis of wh
ich is briefly discussed.