Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae)

Commonly called Neem or Indian lilac it is a tropical evergreen tree widely distributed in south-east Asia. Called Nimba in Sanskrit, it is a highly reputed medicinal tree in the Indian traditional medical systems of Ayurveda and Siddha. Extensively used for its insecticidal properties in storage grains, all parts of the plant namely the leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, seed oil, bark, roots are considered medicinal and form part of several traditional medicines of repute. The tree is considered sacred and it is associated with many traditional seasonal rituals in the Indian subcontinent. Extensive scientific research on the plant parts have revealed powerful biological activities that range from antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, anti-fertility effect to potent anti-HIV properties. In folk medicine a paste made out of neem leaves and turmeric is considered an effective protective against several skin diseases. Advocated for use in the treatment of infectious diseases such as chicken pox, measles etc. even fanning the wounds with neem leaves is considered beneficial. In traditional Indian medicine neem seed oil has been effectively used since centuries for topical skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, burns, abrasions etc.

Cosmetic Use

Today neem oil and neem extracts find extensive use in branded herbal cosmetics and other personal care products. Due to worldwide demand for natural molecules as mediators of health, these natural cosmetics find inclusion especially in skin care products due to their powerful antimicrobial efficacy. Neem bark and leaves in the form of extracts form part of several medicinal and cosmetic products. Neem seed oil after the process of refining loses its unpleasant smell and can be used to manufacture cosmetics.

Neem and its products are important ingredients of skin and hair care cosmetics for their powerful antibacterial, antifungal properties due to which they may be used for dandruff control and to relieve itch, rashes, skin redness etc. Neem oil is also an excellent skin moisturizer and is included in medicated and cosmetic soaps and shampoos. Neem leaf extracts are thus included in face and body lotions and creams, herbal face packs, fairness creams, hand creams and as a natural moisturizing base in skin care formulations. Neem products are reputed to be suitable for all skin types.

All parts of the plant continue to receive extensive phytochemical and pharmacological investigation. Neem leaves and seed oil are rich in several groups of phytoconstituents principal among which are limonoids, flavonoids and their glycosides, coumarins etc. Azadirachtin is a potent insecticidal agent isolated from it.