A Boon to Mankind: Azadirachta Indica

Abstract

Extracts from different parts of the Azadirachta indica (neem tree) are well documented for their medicinal properties and their wide applications by traditional practices. The medicinal properties exhibited remarkable biological activities that could be further explored for the development of new herbal formulations and therapeutics. The medicinal properties of the neem tree are due to the presence of active phytochemicals such as flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, sulfurous compounds, carbohydrates, proteins and minerals. The various medicinal properties and applications of the neem tree are well mentioned in ancient Indian system of medicine, scripts such as Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita. More than 700 herbal materials based on indica have been recognized in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, and Siddha, with Neem being the main contributor. The only ingredient for the treatment of various diseases. Neem exhibits various medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antigingivitis, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antipyretic and wound healing activities. All parts of the neem tree have been used as traditional medicine. Apart from its therapeutic potential, neem is being widely used as an eco-friendly insecticide and commercial agricultural chemical. The present paper provides important details of the medicinal properties and bioactive compounds isolated from different parts of the neem tree.