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Medicinal Plant details |
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Information |
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| Sanskrit Name |
Paribhadra, Pichumard, Nimba, Arista (WOA, 1998). |
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| Common name in English |
Neem tree |
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| Botanical Name |
Azadirachta indica A. Juss. |
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| Historical Accounts |
Gangadhara's Gandhasara mentions nimba (neem) for its aromatic properties. The alchemical and iatro- chemical properties of a number of plants including that of neem has been referreded to in Rasarnava and Rasaprakasasudhakara of Yasodhara. Four types of plaster have been described in Brhatsamhita (hindunet, 2004). |
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| Parts Used |
Roots, Twigs, Bark, Resin, Leaves, Flowers, Unripe fruits, Ripe fruits and Seeds, Wood. |
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| Human Medicinal Usage |
In Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Siddha, Unani and Tibetan literature neem tree is known for its medicinal values. The extracts of neem have been reported to possess anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties (vaccinia, variola, foul pox and the New Castle disease virus), along with cure for intestinal worms and ulcers.
The bark is reported to be beneficial in treating malarial fever and diseases of the skin.
The leaves can be taken along with pepper to treat intestinal helminthiasis. The extract of the leaves of neem is found to be effective in delaying the clotting of blood and mild antiseptic. The paste of its leaves is useful in treating ulceration of cowpox. Highly effective medicine to treat Leucoderma is prepared from fresh mature leaves of neem along with seeds of Psoralea corylifolia Linn and Cicer arietinum Linn. The hot infusion of leaves is much used as an anodyne for swollen glands, bruises and sprains. The dried leaves of the neem on steam distillation yield a golden yellow essential oil which possesses marked anti-bacterial and mild fungicidal action. A neem face-pack is commonly prepared for oily and pimple-prone skin. For healing cuts and wounds, a handful of neem leaves, Acorus calamus leaves, few pods of garlic, three to four napthalene balls and some carbon powder from a waste battery are crushed and mixed together into a paste and applied on the affected part of the skin.
The fruit is used as a tonic, purgative and as an anthelmintic. It is useful in the treatment of urinary diseases and piles. The dry fruits are bruised in water and employed in the treatment of skin diseases.
The kernel of the neem seed yields a greenish-yellow to brown, acrid, bitter oil known as Oil of Margosa, which possesses a strong, disagreeable odour resembling garlic. A few drops of neem oil taken in betel-leaf provide relief in asthma. It possesses antiseptic and anti-fungal activity and is found to be active against both gram positive and gram-negative organisms. The oil is a useful remedy in some chronic skin diseases and ulcers. It has application in the case of rheumatism, leprosy and sprain. The warm oil relieves troubles of the ear, cures dental and gum problems. It is reported that the locals of U.P uses the powdered seeds of neem with honey to treat piles. The sap exudates from stem tip possess the strong odour of fermented liquor. It serves as a refrigerant, nutrient and tonic, and is useful in treating skin diseases, consumption, atonic dyspepsia and general debilities. Sometimes, it is used to make toddy.(Abatan et al., 1986; Ahmad et al., 1995; Akah et al., 1992; Anjali et al., 1996; Bajaj & Srinivasan, 1999; Bhakuni & Chaturvedi, 1983; Bhardwaj & Sharma, 1997; Bhargava & Prakash, 2000; Charles & Charles, 1992; Chatterji, 1925; Chattopadhyay, 1998; Chopra et al., 1952; Gogate & Marathe, 1989; Govindachari et al, 1999; Jyoti & Trivedi, 2000; Ketkar, 1982; Koley et al.,1994; Kumar et al., 1998; Mathai & Devi, 1992; Murthy & Sirsi, 1958; Prasad et al., 1993; Puri, 1999; Rai & Sethi, 1972; Shukla et al., 1990; Siddiqui, 2003; Thakur et al., 1981) |
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| Veterinary Medicinal Usage |
To increase the secretion of milk in cattles twigs and leaves of neem can be fed to cattle in conjunction with other feeds. Neem also acts as carminative and aids in digestion. Fumigation of cattle yard and affected animals by burning leaves of Azadirachta indica, rhizome of Curcuma longa and dried fish waste are also reported to heal Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) in animals (Vivekanandan, 1995; 2000). Feed the animals a mixture of ingu (Ferula narthex), betel vine leaf, pepper and garlic; leaves of neem, thumbe (Leucas aspera), drumstick (Moringa oleifera) or coconut leaves; and seven to eight leaves of ekka (Calotropis sp.) to cure fever (Prakash, 2002). The FMD infected animal is forced to walk on hot sand and then, a decoction of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves is poured onto the hooves (Bhgavanbhai, 1993; Sharma, 1999).
Neem leaves/ash mixed with water is given for easy and early dropping of the placenta (anonymous, 1992). As a cure for Anorexia, giddiness, cough, about quarter portion of an earthen vessel is filled with charcoal. To this 10g bark of neem, 25g each of tender leaves of Pungam (Pongamia glabra), Muddakkathan (Cardiospermum halicacabum) and thumbai (Leucas aspera) along with a pinch of googal (Commiphora wightii) are added. The mixture is smouldered and the animal is exposed to the emerging fumes till sweating is observed around the muzzle (Vivekanandan, 1999). The juice of neem leaves help in getting ectoparasites like ticks, mites and lice off the cattles skin (Pandor, 1999). Turmeric powder, tender leaves of neem, common salt and leaves of Cynodon dactylon are made into paste to be applied over the blisters appeared in the mouth of cattle (Anonymous, 1995).
The neem cake left after the extraction of oil is used as food for livestock.Though bitter to the taste; cattle adjust to it after regular feeding. Though fresh neem cake smells bad, the offensive odour is lost on sun-drying. Animals fed on this cake are healthy.
Decoction of Butea monosperma leaves and Azadirachta indica bark and extract of Ocimum sanctum are prescribed as effective oral medication to cure Foot and Mouth Disease in cattle (Anonymous, 2000). The bark of 'vengai' (Pterocarpus marsupium), bark of 100 year-old neem tree, and bark of 'velvelam' (Acacia leucophloea) are soaked in water for a week till a beer-like smell emanates from the solution. Then black cumin, palm jaggery is added to this solution and the mixture administered orally for three days for weak bullocks (Vivekanandan, 1996). Butea monosperma leaves and tree bark of neem (Azadirachta indica) boiled in water to treat animals suffering from foot and mouth disease (Sharma, 1999). Leaves of veliparuthi (Pergularia daemia), kuppaimeni (Acalypha indica), the bark of neem (Azadirachta indica), and velvelam (Acacia leucoceploea) are ground well, mixed with ragi flour and given to birds for feeding as a way of treating Ranikhet (Balu, 2002).
A handful of leaves of siriyanangai,periyanangai, 'kottagasalai', 'kuppaimeni', 'arugampul' are to be ground into paste and the mixture is added to 100 ml of neem oil and 200 ml of warm water and administered to animal against poisonous bite (Vivekanandan, 1996). Two leaves of mudakkathan (Cardiospermum halicacabum), a bottle gourd, 200 ml of neem oil and one egg (obtained from country poultry bird) are to be macerated and given to the animal at the time of castration (Vivekanandan, 1995). Neem oil is applied in between the toes of the cattle three times a day to cure FMD (Vivekanandan, 1995). For foot lesions the leaves of aadu thinapalai (Aristolochia bracteata), chilli powder and neem oil are to be mixed together and then applied over the affected region (Vivekanandan, 2002). If small insects are noticed in the wound, neem oil mixed along with oil of Madhuca longifolia is applied on the wound (Muthusamy, 1998; 1999).
Half a kilogram leaves of Adathoda vasica, one fleshy leaf of Aloe vera, two poultry eggs and 250 ml of neem oil are ground and given orally one day before the day of the insemination or natural crossing (Vivekanandan, 2002). |
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| Agriculture Usage |
The extract from the bark of neem shows mild inhibitory action against certain strains of watermelon mosaic virus. Decoction of boiled bark of neem tree or tobacco is filtered and sprayed on the vegetable crops for controlling `Kokadava', a viral disease (Patel, 1992).
Its leaves are variously used as an insect-repellent and in the control of nematodes. The dried leaves of neem, when mixed with the grains of wheat and sorghum offer excellent protection for a period of 4-5 months against the moth, rice weevil and lesser grain borer; they also protect potatoes in storage. The leaves of the neem reduce infection by the root-knot nematode of tomato, okra and brinjal. The aqueous extract of its leaves (1 kg/45 litre water) offer effective protection to fruit, vegetable and cereal crops against locust.
Leaf decoction when sprayed in parval plants help reducing attack of insects. It also helps in reducing fruit drop, untimely ripening of fruits, and also in getting bigger sized fruits (NIF, 2003).
Fermented solution of leaves is used as herbal pesticides in different crops. Neem extract has been found to be quite effective in controlling wilt in cumin (Sarka; 2000-2001). The leaves of neem (Azadirachta indica), basil (Ocimum sanctum) and ardushi (Adhatoda vasica) are mixed with the seeds of pulses and cereals at the time of storing them in a container (Jadeja, 1991). In the paddy nursery site (before sowing of paddy seeds) neem leaves are incorporated into the soil and puddled and allowed to decompose for two weeks. Paddy seeds sown after this treatment are believed to become resistant to pest and disease (Pandasolanallur, 2000-2001)
Sacks filled with 8kg of 'neem' cakes are immersed in irrigation channels to control stem borer, gall fly and bacterial wilt (Jayaveeran, 1993). Water soaked paddy seeds are heaped on the ground and is covered by neem leaves and wheat straw for four days. Water is sprinkled frequently; this imparts better germination (Prajapati, 1991).
To safe guard castor crop against semilooper attack, distillate obtained from the mixture of goat urine and neem leaves is used (Darbar, 2000-2001). Ash from the leaves and small twigs of neem (Azadirachta indica) is mixed with Folidol (a chemical pesticide) powder and the mixture is dusted on the mustard crop to minimize the infestation of aphid (Desai, 1991).
Dried pulses are kept in the basket along with neem leaves, ash, piece of iron and leather, bhoy ringni (Solanum surattense) and chaff of black/ horse gram to increase the storage life (Gavint, 2000-2001). Neem leaves may be scattered in the soil to prevent stem borer attack in paddy (Lingappa, 1999).
Boiled suspension of tobacco (leaf or seed) and neem (Azadirachta indica) seeds and leaves are speayed to check cotton insect pests (Patel, 1991; Siddi, 1996). Pulse seeds are mixed well with the leaf extract of Calotropis, karuvel (Acacia nilotica), pongam (Pongamia pinnata) and neem to increase the nutrient content, drought tolerant capacity, germination percentage and vigour of pulse seedlings grown after paddy crop in the same field (Pandasolanallur; 2000-2001). Leaves of notchi, neem and pongam (Pongamia pinnata) are collected and put into the storage box or room along with the grains to protect them from pests and diseases. Seed treatment of sorghum is done by using leaf extract of Azadiracta indica for keeping stray animal away (Dhirabhai, 1992).
In order to have healthy and vigorous paddy seedlings, the uprooted seedling roots are dipped in powdered solution of groundnut and neem cake before transplantation (Pandasolanallur; 2000-2001). Before transplanting paddy, seedlings are kept in small plots of standing water mixed with ash and pulverised neem seeds to grow healthy disease free crop (Patel, 2000). Dried leaves of neem and dried pepper stalk (after extracting pepper) area mixed with rice and other grains to repel storage pests (Siddi, 1996). Neem leaves are mixed with harvested grains to keep it safe from pests (Taral, 1997; Pradhan, 1999).
A mixture of tobacco powder, cows urine, buttermilk and neem leaves are mixed to tackle termites in sweet melon (Shah, 1997). Groundnut fields infested with leaf roller pest are sprayed with a solution prepared by mixing 300 ml of Neem oil with 50 g of caustic soda, tobacco decoction and a piece of khadi soap (Rao, 1997). The fermented solution of neem leaves is sprayed by diluting with water in 1: 10 ratio whenever the symptoms of diseases and pests are noticed in plants (Rao, 1997). A decoction of sothukathali (Aloe vera), neem, tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), nayuruvi (Achyranthes aspera) and Aristolochia bracteata leaves is mixed with water (100 ml decoction per litre of water) and sprayed on the tomato and citrus crop. This prevents pest and disease attack in both the crops. It reduces flower shedding and increases the yield in citrus (Anonymous, 1998). Neem leaves are spread at the top of mango baskets to repel the storage pests (Gobel, 1994).
In addition to neem leaves, young branches of neem tree are placed intermittently in the fields to prevent attack of paddy leaf caterpillars (Peyodu, 1995). Herbal mixture of chilli, neem and sitafal is used to control aphids on groundnut and several insect pests and leaf curl disease in chilli and brinjal (Patat, 1995). Neem leaves extract is used to prevent spreading of wilt in cumin (Vahora, 1994). Jowar is stored by mixing with salt, neem leaves and garlic (Lingappa, 1999).
Filtrate obtained from 500 g dried tobacco leaves, one kg neem (Azadirachta indica) kernel, 500 g lime powder, 500 g Datura leaves and 500 g pods and seeds of oleander (Nerium oleander) is used to control insects in paddy field (Lingappa; 1999). A big cane basket is lined with green or dried leaves of khakhra (Butea monosperma) and it is further lined with leaves of neem (Azadirachta indica). The green mangoes are then placed inside and then layered once again with the leaves. After this the basket is left untouched for seven days. The mangoes get the usual red and golden yellow hue soon after (Patel, 1999). To overcome reduction in the size of coconuts, fall of immature fruits and oozing out of brown liquid from the trunk, a trench, one to one and half feet deep is dug at a distance of about four feet from the tree. The trench is filled with five kg neem leaves and 25 kg green leaf manure and is covered with soil. This is watered regularly for three months (Samyappan, 2000).
Leaves of Azadirachta indica, and Pongamia pinnata are mixed with soil a month prior to sowing of crop and ploughed into the soil.By following this practice of applying green manure not only the soil fertility is enhanced, but strength of plants to resist the disease also increases (Patel, 2000). Mix neem oil, soap or detergent powder, cow urine and the filtered solution of lime with 15 litre of water and this mixture is used as a pesticide on crop (Patel, 2000). Organic manure prepared from neem leaves, 'aakdo' leaves and cowdung can be used for the cultivation of cauliflower.
Four kg of kuvarpathu (Aloe vera), 500 ml of neem oil and 500 gm of tobacco powder are boiled in 20 litre of water for three to four hours to make a five litre solution. Then 50 gm of aritha (Sapindus emarginatus) powder is added to the solution. The filtrate obtained is diluted and sprayed on cash crops to control Spodoptera litura and Heliothis armigera (Gavint, 2001).
A mixture of one litre stale buttermilk, 50 gm of neem juice and one litre of cow urine is sprayed on grape wine every ten days to prevent development of pests and worms. The branches grow well and the immunity in plants also increases (Patel, 2001).
The formulation from neem leaves, kuvarpathu (Aloe vera) and aakdo (Calatropis gigantea) to control blight in cumin (Rathod, 2001). Phytopalm, an herbal pesticide against coconut mite is made from ten herbs: "kolingi" (Tephrosia pupurea), "notchi" (Vitex negundo), Lantana camara, Vinca rosea, Pongamia pinnata, Anona squamosa, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Garlic (Allium sativum) and Cassica auriculata (Louis, 2001). Ten kg each of the leaves of neem, Glyricidia sepum, Calotropis gigantea, Datura metel, Vitex negundo, Clerodendrum inerme and Aegle marmelos are taken and boiled in water for 48 hours, then squeezed and filtered. This extract is diluted with water in a 1: 10 ratio and sprayed on plants. This keeps the majority of pests away from cereal and pulse crops (Balekai, 2002).
Burn neem leaves at many places to control the nuisance of locusts (Prakash, 2002). To control aphids, a pesticide is prepared by grinding equal amounts (four kilograms) of the leaves of aakdo, vakhdo (Salvadora persica) and neem with two kilograms of the leaves of arando (Vicinus communis), one kilogram of tobacco leaves and 500 grams of the fruits of bhoyringini (Solanum Xanthocarpum). This mixture is then mixed with 20 litres of water and 20 litres of sour buttermilk (whey) and kept in an airtight container for 10 days. This concentrate is then strained and diluted in water in the ratio of 1:10 (Patel, 2002).
The pulp water of neem protects crops from locusts. Application of fruit powder @ 200 kg/acre during the last plough will control leaf feeders, stembark and fungal disease of sugarcane (Muthusamy, 1998). Before the onset of monsoon, application of the neem powder (1/2 kg/plant) at the trunk of the tree will enhance the yield of coffee and its quality (Muthusamy, 1998). The alcoholic extract of neem that remains after removal of the bitter principles, can be used as an agrochemical for the preparation of water-based pesticidal sprays against common agricultural and horticultural pests. Neem seed kernel suspensions serve as effective antifeedant for Achaea janata on castor (Darbar; 2000-2001). Neem oil extracted from seed kernels is mixed with water and sprayed over in sugarcane and coconut fields to control pests (Chinnathambi, 1993). Neem' oil, kerosene, soap powder are mixed together in water , and the solution is sprayed against leaf-roller of paddy and groundnut (Chinnathambi, 1993) neem oil, kerosene and cow dung mixture can be sprayed in paddy, chillies, jasmine etc. against all sap sucking pests (Mani, 1999).
Neem kernel powder is also applied as manure to trees like citrus, guava and mango (Perumal, 1996). A decoction of de-coated neem kernel is sprayed in Bengal gram ro prevent pest attack (Nandakumar, 1997). To increase brinjal yields, seedlings are soaked overnight in neem kernel extract prior to planting (Thevar, 1994). Neem Seed Kernel Extract can be used to check the incidence of Helicoverpa armigera in cotton (Muthusamy, 1998). Neem oil and kerosene are mixed in equal quantities and sprayed on Coconut trees to control the black headed caterpillar and Rhinoceros beetle (Perumal, 1996). Cow urine, neem oil and tobacco infusion are mixed together and sprayed over the vegetable crops to prevent sucking pests (Iyyappan, 1994). Mixture of tobacco filtrate, neem oil and soap is diluted with water and sprayed the cotton crop. The results, i.e., good flower and fruit formation and reduced flower dropping, are apparent within a week. It also controls boll worms (Ramaraj, 1999). Neem seed filtrate mixed with fresh cowdung can be sprayed in chilly and tomato to reduce fruit drop (Gounder, 2000). As a remedy for yellowing of tender crown region, after piercing the tip of coconut palm with an iron rod, one litre cow urine, 250g neem oil, 500g wheat flour are mixed and poured on the tree from its apex. This acts as an effective growth enhancer and within two months new shoot/leaves reappear (Santheshivara, 2000). Decoction obtained from Kunvarpathu (Aloe vera), neem oil and tobacco powder and the powder of the dried fruit of aritha (Sapindus emarginatus) is sprayed twice to control Heliothis larvae (Patel, 2002).
Custard apple (Annona squamosa), turmeric rhizome, Clerodendrum inerme and neem (Azadirachta indica) kernels for the treatment of Eriophid mite in coconut (NIF, 2003). The cake left after the extraction of oil from neem is used as a manure, insecticide and nematicide (Lingappa, 1999). Solution obtained by soaking 10 kg of neem cake in 10 litres of cows urine along with half a kilo of 'mattiperungayam' (waste asafoetida) is used as manure (Vivekanandan, 1997).
Leaves of agave,'yettikottai' (Strychnos nuxvomica), neem, and cakes of Pongamia pinnata and neem are pulverized together and soaked in cattle urine. The resultant solution is diluted in water in the ratio of 1:8 and sprayed against pests and diseases of cotton and 'kanakambaram' (Barleria spp- an ornamental floweing crop) (Thyammal, 1994).
Decomposed mixture of cow dung, Calotropis plants and neem cake and human urine is allowed to mix with irrigation water to provide nourishment to the plants. It also enhances their resistance to insect attack and diseases (Iyyappan, 1995).
Thirty days after planting paddy, powdered neem cake or cakes of 'punnaikai'(Calophyllum inophyllum) are applied to control leaf caterpillars in paddy (Peyodu, 1995). Neem cake is powdered and applied to the field to control root gruns in brinjal (Samuel, 1995).
For pests of Cole crops (cabbage, cauliflower and knol khol) neem seed cake or leaves are ploughed into the soil. Use of powdered oil cakes of neem or mustard near the root region, mixed with water is very effective in controlling mosaic virus in tomato (Sharma, 1997).
Application of neem cake will correct soil salinity (Selvanayagam, 1992).Cowdung mixed with turmeric and neem cake is used to coat the floor and sides of the tank are found to be effective in preventing ants attack in compost pit (Dasanakoppa, 1999).
Aloe vera, Vitex negundo and neem cake can be used against eriophyid mite in coconut (Samyappan, 2000). Mix neem cake and castor cake in equal proportion and apply 25 to 30 g around each sucker after 60 days of planting. Field should be irrigated regularly. During the eighth month, apply 50 g of groundnut cake. This will ensure protection of banana plants from the damage by nematodes (Kanjanaickanpatti, 2000). Prepare a solution by soaking 10 kg of wet cowdung, one kg of neem cake, one kg groundnut cake, one kg jaggery and 100 gm of turmeric powder in 50 litres of water for 48 hours. This is filtered and sprayed on the seedlings from three to four times and is helpful in controlling almost all diseases and pests attacking seedlings (Prakash, 2002).
Branches of Calotropis, Azadirachta indica and cactus should be tied together like a broom and moved over the paddy crop across the field. This practice will sweep away the larvae and small insects clinging to the crop, ridding it of insects (Lingappa, 1999). Fish farmers throw lime, banana plant and branches of the neem tree along with leaves into the fish pond to prevent and cure diseases like khatarogh (Aluma et al., 1998). By planting neem trees immediately over several troublesome nests of leaf-cutter ants, ants problem can be solved (Bunch et al., 2001). |
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| Other Usage |
Neem wood is pest-proof and durable even in open situations. Its timber is medium refractory and seasons well. It may be used in furniture, carts, axles, yokes, naves and felloes, boards and panels, cabinets, drawer bases, packing cases, ornamental ceilings, ship and boat building, helms, oars, oil mills, cigar boxes, carved images, toys, drums and agricultural implements. It is also suitable for timber-bridges spanning 5 m.
Its bark yields a red dye. It is used by silk-dyers in the preparation of colours. The bark exudes a clear, bright, amber-coloured gum, known as the East India gum. The gum is a stimulant, demulcent and tonic and treats in catarrhal and other afflictions. Patented extract of neem bark viz., Silvose T and Silvose TRS are used as toothpaste and mouth wash, respectively. Its bark mixed with papaw leaves can be used as soap for washing clothes (Aluma et al., 1998).
These are variously used as insect-repellents. They are kept amongst woollens and books for protection against pests. Neem' leaves are placed over stored grains to keep the grains pest-free. 'Neem' leaves are placed over stored grains to keep the grains pest-free (Kanagasabapathi, 1993). Neem leaves can be fed to animals (Anonymous, 1991). It is consumed by humans, birds and animals. Helps in weather forecasting, if the neem tree bears plenty of fruit then the total rainfall for the season of monson will be high (Akbari, 1992). Considerable quantities of the oil of neem are employed in cosmetic preparations such as creams, hair-lotions, medicated soaps, washing soaps and toothpastes; it can be mixed with other oils also for soaps. Regular application of hair-oil containing oil of margosa is reported to prevent baldness and greying of hair. The seeds also contain an essential oil, which has been found to possess anti-microbial activity. The Central Leather Research Institute, Madras, has developed a new method of curing raw hides and skins with a mixture of organic compounds obtained from margosa oil. This method dispenses with the use of common salt, which forms a major pollutant in tanning effluents. The leathers prepared by this method do not deteriorate in quality during storage, and compare well with leathers obtained from wet-salted stock. The processed cake can be employed as poultry feed. Since the cake is bitter, it acts as an appetizer and a vermicide.
The shell from the seeds may be used in the production of activated carbon and toothpowder. It can be used as fuel and for manufacturing briquettes or hardboards. The powdered shells are used as fillers in thermosetting-moulding compositions. The dried flowers are either eaten raw or in curries and soups, or as a fried dish. |
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| Synonyms |
Melia azadirachta L. |
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| Family |
Meliaceae |
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| Description |
It has a short trunk, with a girth that spreads to 1.5-3.5 m with wide branches that form a rounded or oval crown up to 15-20 m diameter in old, freestanding specimens. It has a moderately thick (1.25-2.5 cm) grey to reddish-brown bark and its reddish heartwood is hard and durable. The outer rind is rough, woody, fissured and often peels in thick slices. The unpaired pinnate leaves are 20-40 cm long, and crowds towards the ends of the branches. Flowers are white, fragrant, 4-6mm long and 8-11mm wide. It flowers from April to May. The fruit is a drupe and resembles an olive. It is one-seeded; green when young and greenish-yellow to yellowish-red when ripened (WOA, 1998). |
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| Common Name in India |
Nim (Assamia); Nim, Neemgachh, Neem (Bengali); Limda, Limbado, Leemgo (Gujarati); Bevinamara, Bevu (Kannada); Aryaveppu, Veppu (Malayalam); Limda, Limb, Nimbay (Marathi); Kakopholo, Limbo, Nimbu (Oriya); Bakam, Drekh, Nim, Neem (Punjabi); Neem, Neemro (Rajasthani); Aruhundi, Kaduppagai (Tamil); Nimbanuv, Vepa (Telugu) (WOA, 1998).
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| Common Name in Other Countries |
Nimmi, Nimuri, Limbo (Pakistan); Baypay, Dawoon-mambu (Malaysia); Intaran, Mempheuh, Imba (Indonesia); Tamaka, Thin, Thinboro (Burma); Azadirac de I'Inde, Margosier (France) Grossblaettiger Zedrach (Germany); Amargoseira, Margosa (Portugal); Kohumba, Nimba (Singapore); Kohumba, Nimbu (Sri Lanka); Neem (Australia); Neem (U.S.A); Nim (Latin America) |
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| Habitat |
It grows mainly on plains and low-lying undulating land in the drier tropical and subtropical zones but not in mountanious areas. As a rule it is not a forest dweller but grows where there has been human interaction. It is famous for its drought resistance in sub-arid to sub-humid regions (WOA, 1998). |
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| Rainfall |
It would ideally average 45 to 112 cm (WOA, 1998). Rainfall less than 400 mm would mean dependence on ground water and under such conditions; the neem can survive with ca. 130 mm. It tolerates long dry seasons. |
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| Soil (Physical/Chemical) |
It grows best on well-drained, deep, sandy soils. For the growth of neem, the optimum pH of soil is 6.2-7.0 with extremes of 5.9-10.0. It can grow on alkaline or saline soils. |
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| Regional Distribution |
In India, the neem grows in the wild in the dry forests of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Though not a forest-tree, it is generally found to grow in the wild. In Andhra Pradesh, most of the trees grow from self-sown seeds. It is cultivated all over India, particularly in the drier regions and has evidently become wild in many localities. The neem is also found in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (WOA, 1998). |
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| Global Distribution |
During the last decade, neem has been introduced and planted on a large scale in Australia, the Philippines and in the plains of Arafat near Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is distributed throughout the south and Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa and many other countries in Central and South America including the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
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| Harvest |
Neem is a fast-growing tree and seed production from a healthy tree can be expected within 4-5 years. Full-grown neem trees can produce 30-40kg seeds every year. The seed after cleaning is cream-white. The fruits are collected during April-Aug, the best period for collection being before the monsoon. They are preferably handpicked and sun-dried and stored till Oct-Dec or even later. The fully-dried fruits both whole and decorticated, store well without deterioration even up to a year. In South India, the fruits are usually decorticated and the seeds stored whereas in North India, the whole fruits are dried and stored. Storage of the seeds for three months is necessary for an optimum yield of oil. |
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| Pests / Diseases |
The tree is not subject to serious fungal diseases. The fungi recorded on the tree include Cercospora leucosticta, C. subsessilis, Fomes senex, Polyporus gilvus and Xylaria azadirachta. Although many pests have been recorded, the tree is not attacked by any serious pests; in some localities however, porcupines are known to damage the neem trees. |
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| Chemical composition |
A new tetranortriterpene, nimbidinin is isolated from amorphous bitter principle (nimbin) of seeds and characterized. Nimbdic acid found identical to salannic acid; limonoids - azadirone, azadiradione and epoxyazadiradione, mp. 202deg, [alfa] D + 4deg, isolated and structures elucidated; beta-sitosterol-beta-D-glucoside, n-hexacosanol, beta-carotene from leaves; a new myricetin glycoside - melicitrin - along with quercetin -3- galactoside and kaempferol-3-glucoside isolated from flowers and characterised as myricetin -3' - L- arabinoside; a triterpenoid - azadirachtin - isolated from fruits; kulinone, kulactone, kulolactone and methyl kulonate isolated from bark; beta- hydroxy-4-stigmasten-3-one (I) and 6beta- hydroxy -4- campesten-3- one (II) isolated from bark and their structures confirmed by partial synthesis; a new hexacyclic tetranoriterpenoid- vilasinin is isolated and structure established. Beta- sitosterol and 24-methylenecycloartanol from heartwood; two new meliacins - melianin A and B isolated from wood and their structures determined; cycloeucalenone, fraxinellone, azedaric acid, nimbolin -A, gedunin, 7-deacetyl -7- oxogedunin also isolated. Stereostructure of melianone, having 23R,24S configuration, established; isolation and characterisation of an isomer of epoxyazadiradione, [alfa] d - 72deg., from fruit pulp; quercetin-3-O-L-rham- noside and quercetin-3-O- rutinoside isolated from leaves; azadirachtin and salnin isolated from berries; structure of former established; beta-sitablished; beta-sitosterol-O-D-glucoside, 4, 14 alfa-dimethyl -5 alfa- ergosta-8, 24 (28)- dien-3 beta-ol and 4 alfa-methyl-alfa-ergosta-8, 24 (28)-dien-3 beta-ol isolated from heartwood; structure of a new compound -17 beta-hydroxyazadiradione- isolated from fruit pulp; 24- methylenecycloartanone, cycloeucalenone, 24-methylenecycloartanol, cycloeucalenol, 4-stigmasten -3-one, 4- campesten-3-one, triacontanol, vanillic aldehyde, trans from fruits; structures of two new constituents -17-epiazadiradione and 17beta- hydroxyazadiradione; isolation of a glycopeptide by pronase digestion of neem gum; it contained arabinose, galactose and glucosamine in ratio of 2.69: 2.0:4.9 and asparagine, serine, threonine, arginine, proline, valine, phenylalanine and tyrosine; scopoletin, 6-hydroxy-7-methoxycoumarin, aesculetin, cinnamic acid, beta-stosterol, campesterol and two unidentified sterols isolated; isolation of tiglic acid from oil. |
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REFERENCES |
| SR No. |
NAME |
ARTICLE TITLE |
AUTHOR |
PLACE OF PUBLICATION |
VOLUME/ISSUE |
YEAR |
PUBLISHER |
COMMENT |
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