Azadirachta indica, also known as Neem (Family: Meliaceae), is mainly seen on the Indian subcontinent. It has been extensively used for various ailments from the pre-historic times. The WHO estimates that about 80% of population in the developing countries depends on neem, directly or indirectly. Neem has also been introduced to the Caribbean, South and Central America.
Morphology: Neem is a medium sized tree, reaching up to 50 meter height. It has a large round shaped crown of up to 20 meter diameter. It is basically evergreen, but sheds leaves during dry season. It has a deep tap root system and depends on mycorrhizae. The bark is usually grey, and produces fissures and flakes. A sticky smelling sap exudate is produced in humid season.
The branches are many and spreads to all sides. Leaves are alternate, petiolate and seen at the end of the branches. They are pinnate, glabrous (without hairs) and glossy dark green in color. Ten to twenty leaflets are seen in a compound leaf. The length of the leaflets vary from 5 to 10 cm and sickle shaped.
Numerous small, white, fragrant flowers are produced in clusters reaching up to 20 cm. Fruit is drupe with thin epicarp, mucilaginous mesocarp and thick endocarp. Seeds contain oil from which neem oil is commercially produced.
Habitat: Natural habitat of neem tree is dry places which are deciduous. The plant can also colonize other habitats. Interestingly it is seen in the riverbanks of Australia and also in Sahara desert, where they use this plant to prevent desertification. It is a popular shade tree in regions such as Tamil Nadu in India.
Uses:
1. Neem is highly effective for chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Ring worms and warts are also treated neem extracts. Organic neem oil is the mainly used form of neem.
2. Sidha medicine uses neem for various skin diseases.
3. Recently a snake venom inhibitor was isolated from neem leaves.
4. Neem is used in Ayurveda system for treating ulcers and gastric discomforts. It protects the stomach and removes harmful toxins.
5. It is used for all forms of parasites. Neem kills internal and external parasites. The extract contains hormone like molecules which mimic the hormones of the parasite and interferes its life cycle. They also prevent eggs from hatching.
6. It also shows anti-inflammatory activity.
7. Neem is also efficient in treating sexually transmitted diseases.
8.Recent studies point towards anti-viral activity of neem. It is found to be effective against duck plague virus.
9. Neem is designated as" the Tree of 21st century" by the United Nations.
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