Triterpenoids

A large and diverse class of compounds produced for protective and developmental purposes. More than 4,000 have been documented, with important subclasses such as:

Triterpenes, Limonoids, Quassinoids, Triterpenoidal saponins, and Steroidal saponins.

One of the most important triterpenoids is squalene. Not only are other triterpenoids produced from it, but some animals also produce it as a precursor to all steroids, including cholesterol.