DETAILS ABOUT AZADIRACHTA

Neem is grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions of India,

Azadirachta indica tree

Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Pakistan. It is now also widespread in East Africa and Asia. Neem is in the mahogany family meliaceae and is one of two species in the genus azadirachta.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 and spreading. The fairly dense crown is roundish and may reach a diameter of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft) in old, free-standing specimens. The neem tree is very similar in appearance to its relative, the Chinaberry (Melia
azedarach). It is also known as ‘Divine Tree’, ‘Heal All’, ‘Nature’s Drugstore’, ‘Village Pharmacy’ and ‘Panacea for All Diseases’ in India.

Young leaves are reddish to purple in color and turn into dark green pinnate leaves on maturity.  The opposite, pinnate leaves are 20–40 centimetres (7.9–16 in) long, with 20 to 31 medium to dark green leaflets about 3–8 centimetres (1.2–3.1 in) long. The terminal leaflet is often missing. The petioles are short.

The (white and fragrant) flowers are arranged in more-or-less drooping axillary panicles which are up to 25 centimetres (9.8 in) long. The inflorescences, which branch up to the third degree, bear from 150 to 250 flowers. An individual flower is 5–6 millimetres (0.20–0.24 in) long and 8–11 millimetres (0.31–0.43 in) wide. Protandrous, bisexual flowers and male flowers exist on the same individual tree.

The fruit is a smooth (glabrous) olive-like drupe which varies in shape from elongate oval to nearly roundish, and when ripe is 1.4–2.8 centimetres (0.55–1.1 in) by 1.0–1.5 centimetres (0.39–0.59 in). The fruit skin (exocarp) is thin and the bitter-sweet pulp (mesocarp) is yellowish-white and very fibrous. The mesocarp is 0.3–0.5 centimetre (0.12–0.20 in) thick. The white, hard inner shell (endocarp) of the fruit encloses one, rarely two or three, elongated seeds (kernels) having a brown seed coat.

NAME IN OTHER LANGUAGES

The English name neem is borrowed from Hindi. The Urdu, Arabic, and Nepali names are the same. Other vernacular names include Nimm in Sindhi and Punjabi, Nim in Bengali, Vembu (Tamil), Arya Veppu (Malayalam), Azad Dirakht (Persian), Nimba, Arishta, Picumarda (Sanskrit, Oriya), Limdo (Gujarati language) Kadu-Limba (Marathi), Dogonyaro (in some Nigerian languages -- Hausa), Margosa, Nimtree, Vepu (వేపు), Vempu (வேம்பு), Vepa (వేప) (Telugu), Bevu ಕಹಿ ಬೇವು (Kannada), Kodu nimb (Konkani), කොහොඹ (Kohomba, Sinhala), Tamar (Burmese), sầu đâu, xoan Ấn Độ (Vietnamese), ស្ដៅ (Sdao, Khmer), สะเดา (Sadao, Thai), אזדרכת (Hebrew), "Maliyirinin" (Bambara language) and Paraiso (Spanish). In East Africa it is also known as Muarubaini (Swahili), sisibi (in some Ghanaian languages such as kusaal).

CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS

Chemical structure of Azadirachta

More than 140 compounds have been isolated from different parts of Melia herb or neem. All parts of the neem tree as leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark have been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui was the first scientist to bring the anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral constituents of the Neem tree to the attention of natural products chemists. In 1942, he extracted three bitter compounds from neem oil, which he named as nimbin, nimbinin, and nimbidin respectively.The process involved extracting the water insoluble components with ether, petrol ether, ethyl acetate and dilute alcohol. The provisional naming was nimbin (sulphur-free crystalline product with melting point at 205 °C, empirical composition C₇H₁₀O₂), nimbinin (with similar principle, melting at 192 °C), and nimbidin (cream-coloured containing amorphous sulphur, melting at 90–100 °C). Siddiqui identified nimbidin as the main active antibacterial 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.

OTHER CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS

(+)- azadirachtin, nimbinene, 6-desacetylnimbinene, nimbandiol, nimbolide, p-sitosterol, salannin, gedunin, azadirone, nimbin, nimbidine, nimbicidine, nimbinol, sitosterol glucocide1, quercetin, n-hexacosanol, nonacosane, moisture, proteins, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, minerals, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, niacin, carotene, gedunin, 7-deacetoxy-7a-hydroxy gedunin, 17p-hydro.xy-azadiradione, 17-epiazadiradione and nimbiol.

MEDICINAL USE OF NEEM

Leaf dust

Neem products have medicinal properties that prove to be anthelmintic, antifungal, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fertility and sedative.All parts such of the tree, such as seeds, leaves, flowers and bark, are used in preparing various different medical preparations.

• Fungicide. Particularly useful for skin fungi.
• Anti-bacterial, including against Staphylococcus & Salmonella.
• Anti-viral. Small pox and chicken pox are treated with a paste of neem leaves - usually rubbed directly on to the infected skin.
• Pain relief - analgesic.
• Calmative.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Fever reduction - antipyretic.
• Lice. Neem oil is an effective treatment for head and body lice.
• Psoriasis. Neem oil and leaf extracts may be the wonder cure for psoriasis. It relieves the itching and pain while reducing the scale and redness of the patchy lesions.
• Dental Treatments. In India, millions of people use twigs to clean their teeth and gums every day. Neem is effective in preventing periodontal disease.
• Skin. Neem oil is used for beautiful skin, and to maintain skin elasticity.
• Insecticide. Neem products are used as an insecticide and insect repellent. They do not rapidly kill insects. Instead, they are long-term insecticides that slowly inhibit the insect so that it can no longer feed or breed or metamorphose.
• Extract of neem leaves is used as a malaria prophylaxis and purifying blood.
• Contraceptive. The compounds nimbidin and nimbin have some spermicidal activity. (1) A Neem oil formulation called "Sensal" is now sold in India as a contraceptive.
• Abortive. One of the compounds in neem oil acts as an abortifacient.
• Urinary diseases (neem fruit).
• Piles (haemorrhoids) (neem fruit).
• Intestinal worms (neem fruit).
• Leprosy (neem fruit).
• 0 weeks seems to help heal stomach and intestinal ulcers.

LEAF

Neem leaf is used for leprosy, eye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), fever, diabetes, gum disease (gingivitis), and liver problems. The leaf is also used for birth control and to cause abortions. Applying neem leaf extract gel to the teeth and gums twice daily for 6 weeks might reduce plaque formation, according to developing research. It also might reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth that can cause plaque.

BARK

The bark is used for malaria, stomach and intestinal ulcers, skin diseases, pain, and fever.

FLOWER

       The flower is used for reducing bile, controlling phlegm, and treating intestinal worms.

FRUIT

The fruit is used for hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, urinary tract disorders, bloody nose, phlegm, eye disorders, diabetes, wounds, and leprosy.

TWIG

Neem twigs are used for cough, asthma, hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, low sperm levels, urinary disorders, and diabetes. People in the tropics sometimes chew neem twigs instead of using toothbrushes, but this can cause illness; neem twigs are often contaminated with fungi within 2 weeks of harvest and should be avoided.

SEED

The seed and seed oil are used for leprosy and intestinal worms. They are also used for birth control and to cause abortions.

OTHER

·         The stem, root bark, and fruit are used as a tonic and astringent.

·         Some people apply neem directly to the skin to treat head lice, skin diseases, wounds, and skin ulcers; as a mosquito repellent; and as a skin softener.

·         Inside the vagina, neem is used for birth control.

·         Neem is also used as an insecticide.

OTHER USES OF NEEM

Azadirachta indica flowers

• Its oil is used for preparing cosmetics, like soap, shampoo, balms, creams, etc, which prove handy for skin care, such as in treatment of acne, for keeping the elasticity of skin, and so on.
• Patients suffering from chicken pox are recommended to sleep on neem leaves.
• It is known to neutralize more than 500 pests worldwide, including insects, mites, ticks and nematodes, by affecting their behavior and physiology.
• The gum of neem tree is used as a bulking agent to prepare special purpose food for diabetic patients. Its twigs are commonly used for cleaning teeth.
• A decoction can be prepared from the roots of neem tree and ingested to relieve fever.
• The paste of neem leaves is applied on skin to treat acne.
• Various parts of the tree are used to protect stored roots and tubers from potato moth.
• Neem is used in vitiated conditions of pitta, hyperdipsia, leprosy, skin diseases, eczema, leucoderma, pruritus, intermittent fever, wounds, ulcers, burning sensation, tumors, tubercular glands, anorexia, vomiting, dyspepsia, intestinal worms, hepatopathy, cough, bronchitis, inflammation and fatigue.
• Fresh neem leaves are mixed with grains and cereals before storing them, ensure that the latter do not get spoilt.
• In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, neem leaves are used to prepare a dish called Ugadi Pachhadi, a type of curry prepared with neem blossoms.

·         The flowers of neem are mixed with and bella (jaggery or unrefined brown sugar) and        offered to friends and relatives, as a symbol of sweet and bitter events in the upcoming New Year.    

 NEEM LEAF EXTRACT FOR PESTICIDAL USE

·         Alternatively, one can make a Neem leaf extract for pesticidal use. One kilogram of leaves are soaked in water overnight before being ground. Five litres of water is then added to the mixture and once again left to set overnight. Finally, five millilitres of emulsifier are added to the mixture and the completed product is strained to create a leaf extract. The pesticide helps to combat some of the most common garden pests, especially those that feed on the leaves of plants (such as caterpillas). One should always take care to use a pesticide lightly and only where necessary - the potency of Neem spread over a large area could badly damage the local population of insects, which should be avoided as they do play a key role in maintaining local enviornments.

USE OF NEEM FOR CREAT AN EFFECTIVE PEST DETERANT

·         Aside from it's medical usages, Neem is also widely utilised to create an effective pest deterant. Rather than killing insects and pests by distrupting the nervous system of the animal, Neem-based pesticides effect the portion of the brain or nervous system responsible for producing hormones that enable insects to move through their lifecycle and drastically reduce their lifespan. Essentially, the pesticide causes the insect to die of old age when it reaches the end of it's current lifecycle. The most effective Neem pesticides can be purchased from professional herbalists or gardeners. Neem pesticides can be made at home but the most commonly utilised ingredient is Neem cake, which must be purchased from a professional.

ANTI-GINGIVITIS AND ANTIPLAQUE PROPERTIES OF NEEM

·         The use of Azadirachta indica (neem) for the treatment of dental ailments as gingivitis, plaque and periodontitis has been reported in India since several decades ago, mainly due to its antiseptic properties and activity. In a study in the subject, forty five subjects with plaque induced gingivitis divided in three groups were asked to rinse with 15 ml of mouthwash twice a day.

·         The study showed that Azadirachta indica (neem) was as effective in reducing periodontitis as Chlorhexidine, reducing significantly gingival, bleeding and plaque indices in the non-placebo groups.

CONTROL DIABETES BY USING NEEM

Neem might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking neem along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

THE USES OF NEEM AS TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTICES

·         Neem is used in a variety of traditional medical practices. In India, twigs taken from the Neem tree are commonly used to scrub teeth - all though seemingly unpleasant, the branches of the Neem tree provide one of the most effective forms of dental care in traditional medicines and are an excellent alternative for modern toothcare products. Achne sufferers can use the leaves of the Neem tree in a course of natural treatment for their skincare complaints - a pure Neem leaf powder mixed with water can be applied to effected areas of skin with cotton buds to quickly clear many skin complaints.

THE USE OF NEEM LEAVES TO TREAT INFECTED EYES

·         Similarly, the Neem leaves can be used to treat infected eyes. A portion of ten clean Neem leaves is left to boil in a litre of water for precisely ten minutes and left to cool - this turns the water into a herbal infusion that can be used just as any eyewash could. A similar infusion can also be used to treat sore throats - two or three Neem leaves are boiled in three-hundred millilitres of water and left to cool. When sufficiently cooled, another natural product (typically honey) is added to the infusion and gargled in the throat.

NEEM OF AS AN OIL

·         If one elects to use Neem as an oil (tutorials for Herbal oil infusions can easily be found on the internet), the Neem oil can be mixed with olive oil (all though some substitue this for coconut oil) and gently massaged into the hair of an individual - this serves to treat dandruff and dispose of headlice if left without washing for one hour. Following the hour, shampoo should be applied and hair rinsed as normal - dandruff and headlice conditions will usually subside within three weeks of a once-weekly treatment course. A pure Neem oil can also be applied to the nose like one would apply nasal drops in order to clear conditions such as sinustis.

AS A VEGETABLE

Neem tree in the Philippines

·         The tender shoots and flowers of the neem tree are eaten as a vegetable in India. A souplike dish called Veppampoo Rasam (Tamil) (translated as "neem flower rasam") made of the flower of neem is prepared in Tamil Nadu. In West Bengal, young neem leaves are fried in oil with tiny pieces of eggplant (brinjal). The dish is called nim begun and is the first item during a Bengali meal that acts as an appetizer.It is eaten with rice.

·         Neem is used in parts of mainland Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Laos (where it is called kadao), Thailand (where it is known as sadao or sdao), Myanmar (where it is known as tamar) and Vietnam (where it is known as sầu đâu and is used to cook the salad gỏi sầu đâu). Even lightly cooked, the flavour is quite bitter and the food is not enjoyed by all inhabitants of these nations, though it is believed to be good for one's health. Neem gum is a rich source of protein. In Myanmar, young neem leaves and flower buds are boiled with tamarind fruit to soften its bitterness and eaten as a vegetable. Pickled neem leaves are also eaten with tomato and fish paste sauce in Myanmar.

ECOLOGY

The neem tree is noted for its drought resistance. Normally it thrives in areas with sub-arid to sub-humid conditions, with an annual rainfall 400–1,200 millimetres (16–47 in). It can grow in regions with an annual rainfall below 400 mm, but in such cases it depends largely on ground water levels. Neem can grow in many different types of soil, but it thrives best on well drained deep and sandy soils. It is a typical tropical to subtropical tree and exists at annual mean temperatures between 21–32 °C (70–90 °F). It can tolerate high to very high temperatures and does not tolerate temperature below 4 °C (39 °F). Neem is one of a very few shade-giving trees that thrive in drought-prone areas eg the dry coastal, southern districts of India and Pakistan. The trees are not at all delicate about water quality and thrive on the merest trickle of water, whatever the quality. In India and tropical countries where the Indian diaspora has reached, it is very common to see neem trees used for shade lining streets, around temples, schools & other such public buildings or in most people's back yards. In very dry areas the trees are planted on large tracts of land.

WEED STATUS

Neem is considered a weed in many areas, including some parts of the Middle East, and most of Sub-Saharan Africa including West Africa and Indian Ocean states. Ecologically, it survives well in similar environments to its own, for example replacing the babul acacia tree from India with African acacia.

NEEM SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY

Neem appears to be safe for most adults, when taken by mouth for a short period of time. When neem is taken in large doses or for long periods of time, it might be UNSAFE. It might harm the kidneys and liver.

Children: Neem is UNSAFE for children. Serious side effects in infants and small children can happen within hours after taking neem oil. These serious side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, blood disorders, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, brain disorders, and death.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Neem oil and neem bark are UNSAFE to use during pregnancy. They can cause a miscarriage.

“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Neem might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using neem.

Diabetes: There is some evidence that neem can lower blood sugar levels and might cause blood sugar to go too low. If you have diabetes and use neem, monitor your blood sugar carefully. It might be necessary to change the dose of your diabetes medication.

Reduced ability to have children (infertility): There is some evidence that neem can harm sperm. It might also reduce fertility in other ways. If you are trying to have children, avoid using neem.

Organ transplant: There is a concern that neem might decrease the effectiveness of medications that are used to prevent organ rejection. Do not use neem if you have had an organ transplant.

Surgery: Because neem might lower blood sugar levels, there is a concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using neem at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

Neem is a key ingredient in non-pesticidal management (NPM), providing a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides. Neem seeds are ground into a powder that is soaked overnight in water and sprayed onto the crop. To be effective, it is necessary to apply repeatedly, at least every ten days. Neem does not directly kill insects on the crop. It acts as an anti-feedant, repellent, and egg-laying deterrent, protecting the crop from damage. The insects starve and die within a few days. Neem also suppresses the hatching of pest insects from their eggs. Neem cake is often sold as a fertilizer.

ASSOCIATION WITH HINDU FESTIVALS IN INDIA

Neem tree leaves in india

Neem leaf or bark is considered an effective pitta pacifier due to its bitter taste. Hence, it is traditionally recommended during early summer in Ayurveda (that is, the month of Chaitra as per the Hindu Calendar which usually falls in the month of March – April).

In the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Neem flowers are very popular for their use in 'Ugadi Pachhadi' (soup-like pickle), which is made on Ugadi day. In Karnataka, a small amount of Neem and Jaggery (Bevu-Bella) is consumed on Ugadi day, the Kannada new year, indicating that one should take in both the bitter and sweet things in life.

During Gudi Padva, which is the New Year in the state of Maharashtra, the ancient practice of drinking a small quantity of neem juice or paste on that day, before starting festivities, is found. As in many Hindu festivals and their association with some food to avoid negative side-effects of the season or change of seasons, neem juice is associated with Gudi Padva to remind people to use it during that particular month or season to pacify summer pitta.

In Tamilnadu during the summer months of April to June, the Mariamman temple festival is a thousand year old tradition. The Neem leaves and flowers are the most important part of the Mariamman festival. The goddess Mariamman statue will be garlanded with Neem leaves and flowers. During most occasions of celebrations and weddings the people of Tamilnadu adorn their surroundings with the Neem leaves and flowers as a form of decoration and also to ward off evil spirits and infections.

In the eastern coastal state of Odisha the famous Jagannath temple deities are made up of Neem heart wood along with some other essential oils and powders.