Tetranortriterpenoid
The
tetranortriterpenoid class of chemical compounds most noted for the chemical
azadirachtin, an extract from the
neem tree (
Azadirachta indica) that displays
insecticidal properties. Azadirchtin is structurally similar to insect hormones called
ecdysones that regulate pupation of insects; application of azadirchtin interrupts the development and pupation of insects, which eventually kills them.
Azadirachtin is a limonoid.