Azadirachta indica

Azadirachta indica A.Juss.

Local name: Neem.

English Name: Indian Lilac, Margosa tree.

Family:  Meliaceae.

Habitat: It is native to Pakistan, India and Bangladesh growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions.

Plant Description: Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft), rarely to 35–40 metres (115–130 ft). It is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide spread. The fairly dense crown is roundish or ovular and may reach the diameter of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft) in old, free-standing specimens. Leaves are 20–40 centimetres (7.9–16 in) long, with 20 to 31 medium to dark green leaflets about 3–8 centimetres long. Flowers are The (white and fragrant) flowers are arranged axillary, normally in more-or-less drooping panicles which are up to 25 centimetres (9.8 in) long. The fruit is a smooth (glabrous) olive like drupe which varies in shape from elongate oval to nearly roundish , and when ripe are 1.4–2.8 centimetres (0.55–1.1 in) by 1.0–1.5 centimetres (0.39–0.59 in).

Plant parts used: Leaves, Barks, Flowers, Fruits, Roots.

                                               

Chemical constituents: 

Plant contains azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbinin, nimbidin, nimbidin, nimbidol, sodium nimbinate, gedunin, salannin, quercetin.

The provisional naming was nimbin ( Sulphur-free crystalline product, melting point at 205 °C), nimbinin (melting at 192 °C), and nimbidin (cream-coloured containing amorphous sulphur, melting at 90–100 °C). Nimbidin is the main active anti-bacterial ingredient, and the highest yielding bitter component in the neem oil. These compounds are stable and found in substantial quantities in the Neem. They also serve as natural insecticides.

Neem seed oil contains the major concentrations of theses active compounds along with many fatty acids like oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid etc.

Medicinal and Traditional Uses:

Leaves are used to treat chickenpox and warts by directly applying to the skin in a paste form or by bathing in water with neem leaves. In order to increase immunity of the body, neem leaves are also taken internally in the form of neem capsules or made into a tea. The tea is traditionally taken internally to reduce fever caused by malaria. This tea is extremely bitter. It is also used to soak feet for treating various foot fungi.  It has also been reported to work against termites. In Ayurveda, neem leaves are used in curing neuromuscular pains. Neem leaves are also used in storage of grains. 

 Neem leaves paste can be applied directly on skin. Water boiled with neem leaves can be used for bathing. This helps in treating various skin problems like burns, injuries, scars, allergies etc. Nowadays, neem leaf powder is available in the market.

During ancient times, neem leaves were used to treat chicken pox and warts. Even today, it is medically proven that neem leaves are good for treating chicken pox.

Consuming raw neem leaves in an empty stomach is good for treating diabetes.We can also save our grains stock from pests by putting few dry neem leaves with it.We can boil few neem leaves in your morning tea and consume it. This helps in curing cold and cough.We can make neem leaves paste and apply it in swelling joints or in areas where there is pain. Its local application on arthritic conditions like gout, rheumatoid arthritis, lower back pain, and musculo skeletal pains is highly recommended with good results.

Twigs of neem are also used in India and Africa as toothbrushes. Nowadays toothpastes with neem extracts are also available commercially.

Bark & roots in powdered form are also used to control fleas & ticks on pets. Bark is used medicinally as a remedy for fever, and fruit pulp is also used as a tonic.