Distribution
It is thought to be indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Bangladesh, as well as
Indochina's Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam regions. It has been widely
distributed over tropical and subtropical climates, from South America to Indonesia.
Plant Description
Neem trees can reach a height of 15-30 metres (49-98 feet), with elegant rounded
crowns and deep furrowed bark. The compound leaves have serrated leaflets and are
usually evergreen, but they drop during times of intense drought. The little
fragrant white blooms are bisexual or staminate (male), and they grow in clusters on
the leaf axils. The fruit is a smooth yellow-green drupe with sweet-flavored pulp.
Neem is normally cultivated from seed, although it can also be propagated through
cuttings or root suckers. The plant is robust and resilient, thriving in poor, rocky
soils. Neem can sustain a wide range of climatic conditions, however it cannot
withstand freezing temperatures or being waterlogged.
Active constituent of Neem
| Parts Used |
Chemical Constituents |
Uses |
|
Leaves
|
Azadirachtin
|
Insect repellant |
|
Meliantriol, salanin
|
Antifeedant
|
| Seed |
Nimbin, nimbidin |
antiviral |
|
Azadirachtin
|
Insect repellant
|
| Flowers |
Nimbosterol, Myricitin, kaempferol |
insecticidal |
| Fruits |
Diacetyl azatirachtinol |
Paralyzes insects swallowing mechanism |
| Barks |
Nimbin nimbidin, nimbinin |
antiviral |
| Margolone,margolonone |
antibacterial |
| Neem oil |
Sulphar containing compound nimbin nimbidin, nimbinin, nimbidol |
spermicidal |
Uses
- Nearly all components of the neem are beneficial, and many of its medical and
cosmetic applications are based on its antibacterial and antifungal qualities.
- Neem is often used in shampoos to cure dandruff, as well as soaps and lotions to
treat acne, psoriasis, and athlete's foot. It is also a component in several
toothpastes and mouthwashes, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, and young
twigs are used as rudimentary toothbrushes in rural regions.
- Neem treatments are said to be effective against a number of skin ailments,
including septic sores and infected burns.
- The leaves, applied as poultices or decoctions, are also used to treat boils,
ulcers, and eczema.
- The oil is used to treat skin conditions like scrofula, indolent ulcers, and
ringworm.
- Neem leaves have long been used as a traditional diabetes treatment, and some
clinical studies suggest that they may help manage blood sugar levels.
- Pregnant women should avoid consuming neem oil, bark, or leaves because they can
induce miscarriage.
- Margosa leaves are dried in India and placed in cabinets to keep insects from
devouring garments, as well as in tins containing rice and wheat.
- The flowers are also utilized in various Indian festivities, including Ugadi.
Prepared by : Ms. Roshani Khan
Checked by : Mr. Sunil Patidar
Verified by : Dr. Mahavir Chhajed
