NEEM TREE (Azadirachta indica)

 
Fig. Neem Tree

It is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to Indian Subcontinent, growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions. In east Africa, it is also known as Muarubaini (Swahili), which means the tree of the 40, as it is said to treat 40 different diseases. (1)

Neem products have been observed to be anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative. Neem products are also used in selectively controlling pests in plants. It is considered a major component in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin disease. (1)

Neem is regarded as a Twachcha (Skin) Rasayana in the Ayurvedic literature. Leaves, flowers, barks, woods, roots and even the gum, fruit and seed kernels and the oil extracts of Neem tree have equal medical values. There is also a Neem that is not bitter and that gives off good aroma has also good benefits but less compared with the Neem with bitter taste and bad aroma. Chinaberry (Bakaino “Melia azedarach”) and Tite Paati (Artemisia dubia) have also as same benefits as Neem but less in versatilities.

 

                                Fig.1 Neem leaves                        Fig.3 Neem seed oil

Fig. Neem flower

 

                               Fig. Neem fruits                            Fig. Neem seed oil

                                                                                  
CHEMISTRY of Azadirachtin indica

Azadirachtin is a chemical compound belonging to the limonoids. It is a secondary metabolite present in the neem tree seeds. Azadirachtin is a highly oxidised tetranortriterpenoid which boasts a plethora of oxygen functionality, comprising an enol ether, acetal, hemiacetal, and tetra-substituted oxirane as well as a variety of carboxylic esters.

Molecular Structure— it has a complex molecular structure.

 

IUPAC name

dimethyl (2aR,3S,4S,R,S,7aS,8S,10R,10aS,10bR)- 10-(acetyloxy)- 3,5-dihydroxy- 4-[(1S,2S,6S,8S,9R,11S)- 2-hydroxy- 11-methyl- 5,7,10-trioxatetracyclo[6.3.1.0^2,6.0^9,11]dodec- 3-en- 9-yl]- 4-methyl- 8-{[(2E)- 2-methylbut- 2-enoyl]oxy}octahydro- 1H-furo[3',4':4,4a]naphtho[1,8-bc]furan- 5,10a(8H)-dicarboxylate

Molecular Formula –  C₃₅H₄₄O₁₆

It was initially found to be active as a feeding inhibitor towards the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), it is now known to affect over 200 species of insect, by acting mainly as an antifeedant and growth disruptor, and as such it possesses considerable toxicity toward insects (LD₅₀(S. littoralis): 15 μg/g). It fulfills many of the criteria needed for a natural insecticide if it is to replace synthetic compounds. Azadirachtin is biodegradable (it degrades within 100 hours when exposed to light and water) and shows very low toxicity to mammals (the LD₅₀ in rats is > 3,540 mg/kg making it practically non-toxic).

This compound is found in the seeds (0.2 to 0.8 percent by weight) of the neem tree, Azadirachta indica (hence the prefix aza does not imply an aza compound, but refers to the scientific species name). Many more compounds, related to azadirachtin, are present in the seeds as well as in the leaves and the bark of the neem tree which also show strong biological activities among various pest insects. Effects of these preparations on beneficial arthropods are generally considered to be minimal. Some laboratory and field studies have found neem extracts to be compatible with biological control. Because pure neem oil contains other insecticidal and fungicidal compounds in additional to azadirachtin, it is generally mixed at a rate of 1 ounce per gallon (7.8 ml/l) of water when used as a pesticide.

After isolation of this oil in seminal work by Morgan and Butterworth in 1968, research on its properties has consistently shown the efficacy of azadirachtin as an insecticide. When applied to larvae it causes mortality at different stages of their development and malformations (in particular reduced longevity and fertility of adults). The 50% lethal dose (LD50) varies with species from 1 to 4 µg azadiractin per gram of insect weight.(3)

BENEFITS—

1. The neem tree is of great importance for its anti-desertification properties and Neem leaves are supposed to suck up carbon dioxide from the environment. So, it acts as a sink for carbon dioxide.
2. It has been observed to be antibacterial and anti viral. It helps people having diseases from germs and bacteria.
3. It is also believed to have potential to sort out blood problems, to relieve high fever, and also observed to cure arthritis, pancreas related problems and cough. It also helps to protect the cuts and bruises.
4. It is very beneficial for skin diseases, such as acne treatment and lots of other skin related problems and also helps to maintain skin elasticity. It is used to prepare cosmetics, such as soap, shampoo, facial creams, and some oils to massaging purposes.
5. It can be used for problems like high temperature, lost appetite, stomach diseases, worms infectious (Juka pareko), high blood pressure, diabetes, hair problems, tuberculosis, diarrhea, dysentery (aau pareko), cholera (haija), amoebic dysentery (ragat masi or aun), scabies (luto), stones, piles, swellings, ringworm, leprosy, teeth and gum diseases, M & T diseases, leucorrhoea, hot-wind-stricken, malaria, poisonous bites of insects, arthritis, amlapitta (hyperacidity), pinworm (churna pareko), ear problems, pimples, et cetera. But the different parts should be used in different proportions and by different methods.
6. Neem derivatives neutralize nearly 500 pests worldwide, including insects, mites, ticks, and nematodes, by affecting their behaviour and physiology. Neem does not normally kill pests right away; rather it repels them and affects their growth. As neem products are cheap and non-toxic to higher animals and most beneficial insects, they are well-suited for pest control in rural areas.
7. Practitioners of traditional Indian medicine recommend that patients suffering from chicken pox sleep on neem leaves.
8. Neem gum is used as a bulking agent and for the preparation of special purpose food (for diabetics).
9. Aqueous extracts of neem leaves have demonstrated significant antidiabetic potential.
10. Traditionally, slender neem branches have been chewed in order to clean one's teeth. Neem twigs are still collected and sold in markets for this use, and in India one often sees youngsters in the streets chewing on neem twigs.
11. A decoction prepared from neem roots is ingested to relieve fever in traditional Indian medicine.
12. Neem leaf paste is applied to the skin to treat acne, and in a similar vein is used for measles and chicken pox sufferers.
13. Part of the Neem tree can be used as a spermicide.
14. It can be used as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides to almost 200 species of insects and that is sustainable practice.

Extract of neem leaves is thought to be helpful as malaria prophylaxis despite the fact that no comprehensive clinical studies are yet available. In several cases, private initiatives in Senegal were successful in preventing malaria. However, major NGOs such as USAID are not supposed to use neem tree extracts unless the medical benefit has been proved with clinical studies (1)

“Neem has a purifying and clarifying effect, drawing out excess oil and smoothing out blemishes, so it is wonderful for persons with Kapha (earth or water predominant) skin. It is also soothing for dry, irritated skin when combined with Aloe Vera or rose water. Because of its cooling nature, Neem is also helpful for Pitta-related skin issues.” (2)

USING METHODS—

Different parts of the tree in different proportions and different methods should be used depending upon the age of the patient, condition of the body and stage of the disease. Only few techniques for some diseases are illustrated –

1. It is recommended to smear the aqueous extract of leaves on the infectious area and drink the aqueous extract of 5-7 leaves daily for skin diseases like wounds, blisters, ringworm, and scabies.
2. It is always beneficial to take bath with the water mixed with the liquid extract of Neem leaves. That helps to protect your body from harmful germs and bacteria.
3. When you do not have appetite, you can take the aqueous extract of 3-5 leaves for 1-2 weeks. And you can also fry the young leaves or flowers little bit on 1-2 spoons of pure ghee and take it for 1-2 weeks. That will be very beneficial for your lost appetite.
4. When your sugar level is very high, you can boil 5-7 leaves or wood around the size of little finger, thick and long, in water and take it as per your need.
5. You can chew some leaves for a while and gargle it out with water and you can also use young shoots as a toothbrush. (chew one end until it gets soft and broken and use it as a brush) This is how you can protect your teeth from germs and bacteria.
6. Mix the paste with natural yogurt and apply on the infectious area of ringworm, it will help to cure it.

GENERAL TECHNIQUES TO GET BENEFITTED—

1. Sitting around the tree daily will help you to become healthier as it provides you more oxygen.
2. The smoke from the leaves of Neem can be used as repellant for more than 500 types of insects.
3. When you put Neem leaves on the dry foods and cereals, it will help insects to keep away.
4. If you take bath with the water boiling with its leaves or mixed with its liquid extract, you would have no problem with skin diseases.
5. It can be used as spermicide. If you put cotton soaked with Neem oil for a while in vagina and do intercourse, there will be less chance of getting pregnant. (Note: but remember, it just reduces the chances and it has not been written as being fully effective)
6. If you drink liquid extract 5-6 drops daily, it will help to clean your blood and will increase your blood cells either.
7. You have to burn the Neem woods to keep away bad spirits.
8. You can apply the liquid extract on your body to protect yourself from mosquitoes, leeches, and different other harmful insects.
9. It is always beneficial to use products having Neem in it, like toothpastes, soaps, body creams, shampoos, or different other products from chemists.

THINGS TO REMEMBER—

1. People having sex related problems, like erection, and people having low blood pressure should not use it.
2. Never take lots of extract at once.
3. Never take lots of extract daily. Consult with experts.
4. It is harmful for people drinking early in the morning.
5. When you have bad effects after taking it, take salt, ghee or cow’s milk; these things help to neutralize the effects.

References –

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azadirachta_indica

2. www.favorfinesse.com/hhneem.shtml

3. http://resources.metapress.com/pdf-review.axd?code=95d5nlbx5yryxgaq&size=largest

4. Photographs from Google images.