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Neem

The Neem tree (Azadirachta Indica) is a medicinal plant that grows wild in many parts of the world where the climate is warm, particularly in Asia and Africa. The neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) has been recognized as a promising source of a plurality of biologically active chemicals, finding applications in diverse areas of utility to mankind. All over Africa and Asia different parts of the Neem tree, leaves, bark and seed are employed as remedies for various human ailments. Neem medicinal products are widely used for treatment of skin diseases, inflammations, rheumatic diseases and fever. They are also employed extensively as antiparasitic agents in the treatment of helminthic and protozoal infections. Neem Oil derived from Neem leaf and Neem bark have been reported to be effective for treatment of cuts, bruises, skin disorders and acne, and as a cosmetic to remove skin blemishes. Neem oil has been shown to be antimalarial, antitubercular, antiviral, antiallergic antigingvitic, antiperiodonitic antiseptic, antimicrobial and antihyperglycemic. Neem Oil has been shown to be an effective analgesic, especially for earaches and headaches. It is also effective in controlling diabetes. Neem leaf is regarded as a traditional herb for treating diabetes and has been specifically proven to be effective in preventing and treating diabetes. In India, Neem oil and its isolates nimbidiol, nimbidin and diethylsulfides are used as anti-mycobacterial and antibacterial agents. Neem seeds, oil, leaves and twig sap have been used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes in treating or preventing ailments relating to the alimentary canal, ulcers, diabetes, skin, gums, teeth and hair. The neem leaves, when mixed with earth mortar, have been used in flooring and plastering of walls containing twigs and vines that act as reinforcement. The leaves have been known to protect the organically rich soil and the reinforcement for a considerable amount of time. Neem Oil consists primarily of fatty acids and meliacins. The latter have been established to be bio-active. Neem seed extract contains essentially four components namely saturated and unsaturated fats, triterpenoids and water soluble compounds containing sugars. Of these, triterpenoids exhibit insect-antifeedant and growth-inhibitory activity while the unsaturated fats possess insecticidal activity against aphids, mites, jassids, cotton white flies and other soft bodied insects.

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