azadirachtin

Azadirachtin is a highly oxidized tetranortriterpenoid compound derived from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). It is best known as the principal active ingredient in many botanical insecticides and biopesticides. Azadirachtin acts primarily as an insect growth regulator, antifeedant, and sterilant. Its mechanism involves antagonism of key insect hormones—ecdysteroids (notably 20-hydroxyecdysone) and juvenile hormone—by inhibiting secretion of prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) and allatotropins from neuroendocrine glands, thereby disrupting molting, pupation, reproduction, and feeding behaviors in insects. Additionally, it interferes with digestive enzyme production in the midgut and can induce aversive taste memory via dopaminergic neuron activation. Azadirachtin has low toxicity to mammals but is widely used for pest control in agriculture due to its broad-spectrum activity against various insect orders[2][5][7][9].

Brand names

AzatinBiosalEcozinGronimNeemazalNimbicidineNimurinOrnazinSafer bioneemSuneemSuperneem

Other names

azadirachtin aazadyrachtinAZADIRACTINAZADIRACHTIN BAZADOikosAZATINNEEMIXEcozinGronimSuneemKAYNEEM