The molecule is a tricyclic diterpenoid that is is isolated from several plant species including Erythrophleum guineense and Erythrophleum ivorense. It is toxic with a digitalis like effect on the heart and a strong local anesthetic action. It has a role as a plant metabolite, a cardiotonic drug, a local anaesthetic, an antiseptic drug and an EC 3.6.3.9 (Na(+)/K(+)-transporting ATPase) inhibitor. It is a tricyclic diterpenoid, a diol, an enoate ester and a tertiary amino compound. It derives from a hydride of a podocarpane.
2-(dimethylamino)ethyl (2E)-2-[(1R,4aS,4bR,7S,8aR,10S,10aS)-7,10-dihydroxy-1,4b,8,8-tetramethyl-3,4,4a,5,6,7,8a,9,10,10a-decahydro-1H-phenanthren-2-ylidene]acetate