Rotenone derivatives from derris have been an important isoflavonoid with insecticidal activity. Since 1932, more than forty-seven rotenone derivatives from derris have been reported. Their biological activity is generally attributable to inhibition of NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity and thereby mitochondrial respiration. In this paper, the structures, biological activity and total synthesis of rotenone derivatives have been reviewed.

Key words: isoflavonoid, biological activity, total synthesis, rotenone