The molecule is an organic heterotricyclic compound that is a hexa-oxygenated 6,7-guaianolide isolated fron the roots of Thapsia garganica L., Apiaceae. A potent skin irritant, it is used in traditional medicine as a counter-irritant. Thapsigargin inhibits Ca(2+)-transporting ATPase mediated uptake of calcium ions into sarcoplasmic reticulum and is used in experimentation examining the impacts of increasing cytosolic calcium concentrations. It has a role as an EC 3.6.3.8 (Ca(2+)-transporting ATPase) inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker. It is a sesquiterpene lactone, an organic heterotricyclic compound and a butyrate ester.
[(3S,3aR,4S,6S,6aR,7S,8S,9bS)-6-acetyloxy-4-butanoyloxy-3,3a-dihydroxy-3,6,9-trimethyl-8-[(Z)-2-methylbut-2-enoyl]oxy-2-oxo-4,5,6a,7,8,9b-hexahydroazuleno[4,5-b]furan-7-yl] octanoate