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Introduction
Neem (नीम) is a native tree of India, found in every parts in
India especially in semi-arid conditions. In India's ancient Ayurvedic Medical texts the medicinal information
about Neem spoken about in the Vedas is expanded upon in great detail. In
Ayurvedic Medical texts it is explained that every part of the Neem tree has
health promoting benefits. What is clear from the above information is that the
general population of India for, over 5000 years, has used Neem safely and
effectively. In fact the people of India call the Neem Tree "The Village
Pharmacy". It is also called Holy Tree (Azadirachta indica.). In ancient times neem was the most celebrated medicinal plant of India and found mention in a number of Puranic texts like the Atharava Veda,
Upanivahod, Amarkosha and Ghrysutra. They all dealt with the outstanding qualities of the neem tree as a
source of medicine and as a natural pesticide.
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Neem tree |
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Today, neem is once again steadily becoming an agro-scientific celebrity.
It has figured as the priority in seminars and serious agricultural workshops all over the world. Modern western medicine is finally discovering what the ancient Indians have known for thousands of years: that the neem tree has superb pharmaceutical and pesticide controlling qualities. Its effectiveness, availability and safety have made agro-scientists promote cultivation of neem forests. The azadirachton compound in neem has been recognized as an effective insecticide that is biologically selective, not harming the useful pest-predators but keeping almost 250 harmful ones at bay.
Scientists recommend coating urea with neem cake to kill nitrifying bacteria. Even water management with neem to control vectors of Japanese encephalitis
was the
success of neem over DDT.
Common Name
Neem (नीम)
Botanical name: Azadirachta indica
Latin
name:
Melia azaderach
English name : Margosa tree
Sanskrit:
Nimbah
Hindi:
Neem
Marathi:
Nimba
Tamil:
Vempu, Veppai
Telgu:
Kondavepa
Kannada:
Turagavepu
Indian names: Neem, nim, Indian lilac, nimmi, limbo,
limda
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Neem Plant
The neem tree, Azadirachta indica, is a tropical evergreen with a wide
adaptability. Native to India and Burma, it has been transplanted to Africa, the
Middle East, South America and Australia. It is especially suited to semi-arid
conditions and thrives even in the poorest soil with rainfalls as little as 18 inches (450 mm) per year and temperatures up to 50° C (120° F). It may grow up to 50 feet (15 m) tall and live for 200 years.
Its blossoms are small, white flowers with a very sweet, jasmine-like scent. Its
edible fruit — is about 3/4 of an inch (2 cm) long, with white kernels. A neem tree generally begins bearing fruits at three
to five years of age, and can produce up to 50 kg (110 lbs.) of fruit annually
when mature. The pinnate leaves have a very bitter taste and a garlic-like
smell.
Raw Neem parts used are:
Neem Leaves , Neem Seeds, Neem Bark, Neem Fruit,
Neem Flower,
Neem Twig, Neem Gum, Neem Root and Neem Kernel
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Neem flowers and fruits
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History of Neem
The neem tree has been used for more than 4,500
years in the Indian sub- continent..The indian physicians CHARAKA (2nd century
AD) and SUSRUTA (4th century AD), whose books provided the foundation of the
Indian system of natural treatment, the Ayurveda, also mention the the tree and
its medical use. In Ayurveda the neem tree was called the "Sarva
Roga Nivarini" (= one that could cure all ailments and ills).
At the beginning of this century the neem tree was still highly estimed by Indian emigrants and they took it along to
the places were they settled. Thus, the neem tree was introduced in places like
Australia, East and sub- Sahelian Africa, South East Asia, and South America.
Pioneering work in the possible commercial use of Neem oil and cake had
been done by the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore as early as the 1920s.
Pioneering work in the possible commercial use of Neem oil and cake had
been done by the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore as early as the 1920s.
In the last two decades research on neem has been intensified and many of the
trees agricultural and medical properties were rediscovered. Today, neem plays a
major role in the rural industry of India and projects for the commercial use of
neem have been successfully introduced in other
countries.
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The green pinnate leaves
of neem have a very bitter taste and a garlic- like smell. |
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Chemical Compounds in Neem
The chemical compounds that have been identified
and scientists feel that there are many more compounds yet to be identified in neem are:
Nimbin: anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-histamine, anti-fungal
Nimbidin: anti-bacterial, anti-ulcer, analgesic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-fungal
Ninbidol: anti-tubercular, anti-protozoan, anti-pyretic
Gedunin: vasodilator, anti-malarial, anti-fungal
Sodium nimbinate: diuretic, spermicide, anti-arthritic
Quercetin: anti-protozoal
Salannin: insect repellent
Azadirachtin: insect repellent, anti-feedant, anti-hormonal
The highest concentrations of the active ingredients are found in the seed and
oil, however the active ingredients are also found in lesser amounts in the bark
and the leaves. Traditionally in Ayurveda the fresh leaves and twigs were used
on a daily basis as a preventative for many conditions, including tooth decay,
gum disease, malaria, etc. When a serious condition was treated a concentrated
paste of the leaves or strong decoction of the leaves and/or the bark was used,
for blood purification (in case of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections),
malaria, fever, arthritis, rheumatism, and many more. It was also used as a
protective agent from nature’s pests both as an insect repellant and insecticide
that is both safe and harmless to humans. Traditionally Neem oil was applied
externally to the hair, scalp, and skin for parasites and as an insect
repellant. It was also massaged into arthritic joints, after being slightly
warmed, to relieve pain and inflammation.
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The gum from the trunk of neem tree. |
Medicinal use of Neem
Traditionally Neem was used in Ayurveda for a number of conditions. It is one of
the main ingredients in every blood purification formula used in Ayurveda and it
appears in most Diabetic formulas as well. It is also used for arthritis,
rheumatism, the removal of external and internal parasites, including malaria
and fevers and as an insect repellent. The main medicinal use of different
parts of neem in Ayurveda are:
Medicinal use of NEEM
in Ayurveda
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Part
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Medicinal Use
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Leaf
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Leprosy, skin problems, skin ulcers,
intestine worms, anorexia, eye problems, epistaxis,
biliousness
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Bark
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Analgesic, curative of fever
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Flower
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Elimination of intestine worms, phlegm,
bile suppression,
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Fruit
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Diabetes, eye problem, piles, intestine
worms, urinary disorder, wounds, leprosy, epistaxis
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Twig
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Asthma,
cough, piles, intestine worms, obstinate urinary disorder,
phantom tumor, spermatorrhoea
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Gum
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Scabies, wounds, ulcer, skin diseases
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Seed
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Intestine worms and leprosy
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Oil
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Intestine worms, skin diseases and
leprosy
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Root
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Refrigerant,
diutretic
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Modern Research
(i) Neem's Effects against Bacteria: There have been a number of clinical studies showing that Neem has significant
effects on several bacterial strains. Among some of the more prominent strains
studied were staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pyogenes, cornebacterium, E.
coli, and salmonella typhosa. These bacteria’s can cause meningitis, cystitis, sore throats, typhoid, blood
poisoning, and food poisoning. Neem's ability to exert significant effects over
the above mentioned bacterial strains indicates it’s ability to resolve the
aforementioned conditions.
(ii) Neem's Effects against Viruses: There are certain compounds in Neem that demonstrate a unique ability to
surround viruses, which prevents them from causing infection. Neem also inhibits
viral multiplication by interacting with the surface of the cells to prevent the
cell from becoming infected by the virus. Neem has been observed to be effective
against a number of viral pathogens in various clinical studies demonstrating it
contains unique properties to inhibit viral disease. Neem is one of just a few
known antiviral agents. Chickenpox, shingles, herpes, and hepatitis are viral conditions, which have
been successfully treated, in clinical studies by Neem’s therapeutic compounds.
The uncomfortable symptoms of colds and flu’s can be relieved during seasonal
changes by the regular consumption of Neem Leaf capsules, extract, or tea.
(iii) Neem's Effects against Fungi: India's tropical climate especially in the coastal regions creates the kind of
humid hot house atmosphere that funguses thrive in. Traditionally, in Ayurveda,
Neem seed oil, aqueous extracts of Neem leaf, Neem leaf powder, the smoke from
burning dried Neem leaves, and Neem leaf pastes have been used for the
prevention and treatment of fungal conditions in India. Athlete's foot, ringworm, and Candida, which causes vaginal yeast infections and
thrush, are some of the more common fungi that attack humans. There are two
medicinal compounds in the Neem leaf, gedunin and nimbidol, which have been
clinically proven to control these fungi. Jock itch, another fungi that attacks
humans, has been treated traditionally in India for thousands of years with Neem
seed oil and aqueous extracts of Neem leaf. Creating medicinal smoke by burning
dried Neem leaves, is an ancient practice in Ayurveda for purifying the
atmosphere around a seriously ill patient. A clinical study examining the
efficacy of this ancient practice found that smoke from burning dried Neem
leaves exerted an extreme suppression of fungal growth and germination.
Amongst the thousands of Ayurvedic medicinal plants in India, modern clinical
research has now proven that Neem extracts contain some of the most powerful
antifungal compounds against certain fungi.
(iv) Neem's Effects against Parasites: Ayurveda has recommended the use of Neem to rid
the body of all forms of parasites. Simple aqueous extracts of Neem leaves have
been the standard treatment for external parasitic infestation
without any side effects throughout India. Neem’s effectiveness against parasites is due to compounds that mimic hormones.
This activity interrupts the life cycle of parasites by inhibiting the ability
of the parasites to feed, and preventing parasite eggs from hatching. Neem has
demonstrated these effects against lice, and against itch mites which cause
scabies. Intestinal worms are treated and prevented throughout the tropics by
regular consumption of Neem teas.
Neem has both curative and preventative effects on the Malaria parasite the
methods for accomplishing this are as varied as the active ingredients in
Neem. There are two compounds in Neem, which are clinically proven to be as effective
against the malarial parasite as both quinine and chloroquine; they are
gedunin, a limonoid and quercetin, a flavonoid. The leaves can be chewed and consumed on
a daily basis as a preventative like quinine and Neem leaf extracts are
clinically proven to be as effective as chloroquine against the malarial
parasite. There is still another study, which shows that Neem leaf extracts prevent the normal development of the
malarial plasmodia by increasing the state of oxidation in the red blood cells.
One of the most impressive accomplishments of Neem against parasites is its
effectiveness against encephalitis.
(v) Neem's Effect against Skin diseases :
Eczema: In the case of eczema clinical studies demonstrate that even the application of
weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively cured acute conditions of
eczema. Using a Soap or shampoo containing Neem oil can easily relieve the
itching and redness of eczema.
Acne: Neem effectively kills the bacteria that cause Acne and studies prove that Neem
will reduce inflammation, even the inflammation produced by Acne.
Skin problems in general: Dry Skin, Wrinkles, Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, Skin Ulcers and Warts are other
conditions that can be effectively resolved by the use of soaps, lotions, and
creams, containing Neem leaf extracts and oil.
(vi) Neem's effectiveness against Periodontal Disease: Throughout India village people use Neem twigs and leaves to brush their teeth, and keep their gums free of disease
and infection even though they have limited access to modern dental care. The
ancient Ayurvedic practice of using Neem to heal and rejuvenate gum tissue and
to prevent cavities and gum disease is verified in modern clinical studies.
(vii) Neem’s effects on the immune system: According to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda the bark of the
Neem tree will strengthen an individuals resistance to disease. Modern clinical
studies have identified a number of compounds in the Neem tree that effectively
regulate immune system functions. There are immunomodulatory polysaccharide compounds,
especially present in Neem bark, that apparently increase antibody production.
(viii) Treatment for several diseases:
Heart Disease:
Including high blood pressure, blood clots, cholesterol, and Arrhythmia/rapid heart beat.
Blood Disorders: Including poor circulation, blood poisoning, and kidney problems.
Digestive Disorders: Including heartburn/indigestion, peptic/duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and hemorrhoids.
Nervous Disorders: Including anxiety, epilepsy, and hives.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital/vaginal warts,
candidacies, and urinary tract infections. As far as AIDS is concerned the immunomodulatory properties of
Neem appear to enhance cell-mediated immune response in people who are HIV positive but who do not have full blown AIDS.
Jaundice:
Drink the diluted juice of the tender neem
leaves with a tea spoon of honey to flush out toxins in liver
disorders.
Birth Control: Works for Men & Women.
It is used also in Tuberculosis, Bronchitis, Conjunctivitis, Allergies, Bad Breath, Hangover,
Stress, Insomnia, Smoking, and on and on.
Modern Studies:
1. Anti hyerglycemic
activity of neem leaf extracts was observed in experimental studies
on non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus -induced rats.
2. Antifertility effects of aqueous and steroidal extract of
neem leaf were observed observed in an experimntal study in West
Indies.
3. Immunomodulatory effects of NIM-76, a volatile fraction of
neem oil were found in experimental study in Delhi.
4. Anti diabetic and antihyperlipemic effects of neem seed
powder were observed in experimental studies in Baroda.
Neem Extracts and Oils
Neem extract contains the concentrated form of active or principle compounds found in
neem.
Method of Neem Extraction: Industrial scale neem extraction process make use of solvents such as alcohol, ether, and hydrocarbons instead of water. Aqueous extracts are said to work nearly as well as others.
Aqueous Neem Extraction : Powdered seeds, kernels or leaves are soaked overnight in water and the next morning the extract is strained through a piece of cloth; the desired volume of concentrated extract can then be
used for desired purpose. Aqueous extract is generally rich in water soluble amino acids, pigments, soluble bitters and carbohydrates.
Solvent Neem Extraction : Organic solvents such as alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide and ethers are also used to manufacture high concentration extracts.
The choice of solvent and temperature and time determine the
efficiency of extraction.
Uses of Neem
Neem extracts can be used in different industries like agricultural industry, herbal industry, pharmaceutical industry to manufacture quality natural products. Neem extracts have a high medicinal value, they are used to cure a number of
diseases such as:
Malaria Prevention: Drinking neem teas or chewing a couple of leaves every day reduces the possibility of contracting malaria. Extracts obtained by a water and acetone combination are even more effective than plain neem tea.
Apart from its use against malaria, neem plays a traditional role in the
treatment of urinary disorders, skin disease, diabetes, fungi infections and
viral diseases. Neem twigs contain antiseptic ingredients which provide dental
hygiene and has been used for this purpose by people from rural areas in India
and parts of Africa. Neem is also of ecological importance: In Africa
the tree is used as a shade tree and as a source of fuelwood. In the Sahel
countries, neem as been used for halting the spread of the Sahara desert.In many developing countries the wood is
used in making fence post, poles for house construction, and furniture.
Use in Agriculture:
Neem tree has superb pharmaceutical and pesticide controlling qualities.
The azadirachton compound in neem has been recognized as an effective insecticide that is biologically
selective, not harming the useful pest-predators but keeping almost 250 harmful ones at bay.
Neem cake is traditionally put in rice fields as a fertilizer. Scientists recommend coating urea with neem cake to kill nitrifying bacteria.
Neem also contains salanin, a chemical substance that is a potent pest controller and is said to be far more effective than the chemically produced diethyl-toluamide that is a part of most of the lethal synthetically produced pesticides.
Agro scientists say that neem is the most eco-friendly pesticide which nature has bestowed on man. They recommend that neem and its kernel should be liberally mixed with compost and set to rot. The pesticide is ready in around three to four months depending on the weather conditions.
Organic farming using neem as a pesticide is still done on a very miniscule scale in India. There are hardly any pesticide-free farm products available in the country though there is a growing demand for these.
Many western agro-scientists say that if neem is effective on a small scale, it can be done on a larger scale as well. There is a certain urgency in advocating the use of neem as a pesticide as there is a growing concern on the lethal pesticides being used in our day-to-day foods.
For example, a minimum of six to seven chemical pesticides are sprayed on an apple tree before the fruit is plucked. Just before harvesting the apple trees are sprayed with fungicides and pesticides along with daminozide, a growth regulator. Finally the fruit is sprayed with
'alar' to heighten its redness. Once the apples reach the cold storage they are sprayed with pesticides once again to keep off the rats and insects.
Just imagine what it does to your body every time you eat an apple. Which is exactly the reason why scientists are so bullish about the neem option as a pesticide.
Because not just as a pesticide, neem has its medicinal values as well.
Economy
The exports of the neem seeds from India have
increasing rapidly. The overseas companies rushing to India has also
results a ten-fold rise in the price of neem seeds from Rs. 300 to Rs. 3,000 a
tonne. If the prices shoot up and exports keep rising, the ubiquitous neem may become out of reach for the ordinary Indian farmer.
Even some of the most cautious researchers are saying that neem deserves to be called a wonder
plant. According to Noel Vietmeyer, the study director of a 1992 National Research Council report entitled "Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems."
Neem in Hindu Religion
In Hindu traditions, on the first day of
Chaitra, Hindu's in North India worship the neem and eat its leaves, mixed with pepper and sugar, as a safeguard from fever. The neem tree besides having various medicinal benefits is a highly revered tree among the Hindus because it is a manifestation of "Goddess Durga" or "Maa Kali". That is why the tree is sometimes referred to as Neemari
Devi. Tamil Ladies, while worshiping Maa kali dress in red, carry branches of the Neem tree, and dance in public places swishing the branches as an act of exorcism and to purify the world. The multi-headed occult goddess Yellamma
sometimes assumes the appearance of a young neem tree. Young maidens worship this Goddess by cladding themselves all over in neem branches. In Bengal, neem is considered to be the tree which is the abode of
"Sitala" (the great Pox-mother who can cause or cure disease). The customary treatment of pox is therefore to rub the body with neem leaves while making prayers to Sitala. It is also said that the smoke of burning neem protects both the living and the dead from evil spirits.
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