Deguelin is a rotenone, specifically the 7aS,13aS-stereoisomer of 13,13a-dihydro-3H-chromeno[3,4-b]pyrano[2,3-h]chromen-7(7aH)-one, substituted with methoxy groups at positions 9 and 10, and two methyl groups at position 3. It is abundant in the bark, roots, and leaves of Leguminosae plants and exhibits anti-tumour activity against various cancers. It functions as an apoptosis inducer, antineoplastic agent, plant metabolite, angiogenesis inhibitor, antiviral agent, mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone reductase inhibitor, anti-inflammatory agent, and inhibitor of EC 2.7.11.1 (non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase). It belongs to the class of rotenones, aromatic ethers, organic heteropentacyclic compounds, and diethers.
