The molecule is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Saussureae Radix and has been shown to exhibit inhibitory activity against melanogenesis. It has a role as a melanin synthesis inhibitor and a metabolite. It is an organic heterotricyclic compound, a sesquiterpene lactone and a tertiary alcohol.
(3aS,5aR,9R,9aS,9bS)-9-hydroxy-5a,9-dimethyl-3-methylidene-3a,4,5,6,7,8,9a,9b-octahydrobenzo[g][1]benzofuran-2-one