zeranol

Zeranol is a synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen of the resorcylic acid lactone group, structurally related to mycoestrogens produced by Fusarium fungi. It acts as a potent estrogen receptor agonist, being 3–4 times more active than the related compound zearalenone. Zeranol is primarily used as an anabolic agent and growth promoter in veterinary medicine, especially for livestock such as beef cattle. It is approved for this use in several countries under various brand names (notably Ralgro by Merck Animal Health). Zeranol may also be found as a contaminant in fungus-infected crops due to its origin from Fusarium species. Its mechanism of action involves binding and activating estrogen receptors, leading to anabolic and growth-promoting effects[1][3][5].

Brand names

FrideronRalabolRalgroRaloneZerano

Other names

zearanolα-zearalanolzearalanol