茉莉酮酸，是一类帮助植物均匀生长发育的植物激素。茉莉酮酸包括茉莉酮酸及其酯，例如茉莉酮酸甲酯。如同哺乳动物体内的前列腺素，茉莉酮酸是由环戊酮和脂肪酸通过生物合成作用合成的环戊酮衍生物。他们是从亚麻酸通过C18路径合成得到的。

植物体内的茉莉酮酸含量随着组织功能、细胞种类、生长发育时期的变化而不同。植物受到某些外界刺激而做出响应时，茉莉酮酸的含量也会有所变化。高水平的茉莉酮酸含量也会出现在花与果实等正在生长的生殖器官中，以及受到光照的植物的叶绿体内。茉莉酮酸的含量还会因为卷须缠绕、植物受伤等机械摄动而迅速增长。

Jasmonate (JA) and its derivatives are lipid-based hormone signals that regulate a wide range of processes in plants, ranging from growth and photosynthesis to reproductive development. In particular, JAs are critical for plant defense against herbivory and plant responses to poor environmental conditions and other kinds of abiotic and biotic challenges. Some JAs can also be released as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to permit communication between plants in anticipation of mutual dangers.