Jervine is a steroidal alkaloid with molecular formula C27H39NO3 which is derived from the plant genus Veratrum.
Similar to cyclopamine, which also occurs in the genus Veratrum, it is a teratogen implicated in birth defects when consumed by animals during a certain period of their gestation.
[citation needed] Jervine is a potent teratogen causing birth defects in vertebrates.
[citation needed] Jervine's biological activity is mediated via its interaction with the 7 pass trans membrane protein smoothened.
Jervine binds with and inhibits smoothened, which is an integral part of the hedgehog signaling pathways.