*3.2.1. Abietanes*

Abietane is a class of diterpenoids with excellent metabolic profile. Compounds of this class showed broad spectrum antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activity [36, 37]. Abietane diterpenoids are extracted from few fungal species [38]. The intervention of quinone methides in the antioxidant activity of the phenolic diterpenoids ferruginol and carnosic acid has been discussed. The antifungal activity of some abietic acid esters in the context of their use as wood preservatives and the antiviral activity of podocarpic acid derivatives have been examined. In case of human cells, antiproliferative effect on tumor cells has been reported [39].

About 200 compounds of this family have been identified commonly known as dehydroabietic derivatives (dehydroabietanes) [40] assuming 20-carbon saturated aromatic ring I, abietane as standard (**Figure 6**).
