Azadiradione is a naturally occurring compound found in several plants, most notably the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). It is a tetracyclic triterpenoid.
Sources
Azadiradione is the principal active ingredient in neem oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree. Smaller quantities of azadiradione can also be found in other plants like Cedrela odorata (Spanish cedar), Chisocheton spp., Xylocarpus granatum (cannonball mangrove) and Azalea indica (common azalea).
Research suggests azadiradione may have properties that fight microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses), reduce inflammation, protect cells from damage, and even have anti-cancer effects.
Azadiradione may also act as a natural pesticide, potentially controlling some insects and pests.
↑Patel, Shradha M.; Nagulapalli Venkata, Kalyan C.; Bhattacharyya, Piyali; Sethi, Gautam; Bishayee, Anupam (2016). "Potential of neem (Azadirachta indica L.) for prevention and treatment of oncologic diseases". Seminars in Cancer Biology. 40–41: 100–115. doi:10.1016/j.semcancer.2016.03.002. ISSN1096-3650. PMID27019417.
↑Setzer, W. N.; Setzer, M. C. (2003). "Plant-derived triterpenoids as potential antineoplastic agents". Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry. 3 (6): 540–556. doi:10.2174/1389557033487854. ISSN1389-5575. PMID12871157.