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Urushiol is a generic name that indicates a mixture of several close alkylcatechols contained in the sap of the Anacardiaceae family such as Toxicodendron radicans Kuntze (poison ivy) or Anacardium occidentale L. (cashew nut tree). The R-side chain generally includes 13, 15, or 17 carbons. A urushiol with a C15 side chain is named pentadecylcatechol (a term sometimes employed in medical literature for poison ivy urushiol), and a urushiol with a C17 side chain is a heptadecylcatechol (mostly encountered in poison oak urushiol).

A 1-(alkyl)- or 1-(alkenyl)-2,3-dihydroxybenzene, where the alkyl/alkenyl group is C15-C17 with one to three double bonds. Urushiol is a mixture of several catechol derivatives that are the main constituents of the irritant oil of plants of the Toxicodendron species, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and the Asiatic lacquer tree. It is responsible for the dermatitis condition commonly known as poison ivy. Urushiol can cause hypersensitivity in a large percentage of the population by dermal contact, or more seriously, through inhalation of burning vegetation. Prompt removal of the toxin by swabbing of the skin (e.g., with methanol or commercial organic solvents) can prevent or minimize dermal toxicity when contact is certain. Once the char_x0002_acteristic urticaria, blistering and itching develop, therapy is symptomatic (compresses or calamine lotion), or in severe cases, corticosteroids like prednisolone can be given.