Neem

Azadirachta indica

Physical Characteristics

Azadirachta indica is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - India, Bagladesh, Myanmar.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Oil Sap Edible Uses: Drink Oil Edible parts: Fruit, Leaves, Flowers, Sap. Young bitter leaves of Neem are cooked and eaten in India. They are eaten raw or fried along with other vegetables. Flowers are used for flavour; they are bitter unless cooked. Fully ripe fruit pulp is eaten raw or cooked and used for drinks. Refined oil from the seeds can be used for cooking. An fermented alcoholic drink is made from the sap of the branches [301]. The fruits are eaten fresh or cooked, or prepared as a dessert or lemonade-type drink [303]. They are often eaten as a pre-meal appetizer [301]. Famine food. Leaves are sold in local markets. Leaves contain 15 % protein.

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antifungal Antihaemorrhoidal Antiinflammatory Antiperiodic Antiseptic Astringent Depurative Diuretic Eczema Febrifuge Leprosy Malaria Mouthwash Odontalgic Purgative Skin Neem is considered to be a pharmacy in its own right in India, where every part of the plant is used medicinally [254]. It contains a number of medically active substances including meliacins, triterpenoid bitters, tannins and flavonoids [254]. It is one of the most important detoxicants in Ayurvedic medicine and a potent febrifuge [238]. It is a bitter, tonic herb that acts as an alterative, clearing toxins, reducing inflammation, lowering fevers, promoting healing and generally improving bodily functions [238]. It destroys a wide range of parasitic organisms and is spermicidal [238]. It is not usually given to the very young, the old or the weak [238]. Leaf teas are traditionally used to treat malaria, peptic ulcers and intestinal worms [254 , 303 ]. The leaf juice is applied externally to ulcers, wounds, boils and eczema [254]. An oil extracted from the seed is strongly antifungal, anthelmintic, antiseptic and purgative [254, 287]. It is applied externally in cases of leprosy and is also used as a vehicle for applying other active ingredients to the body [254]. People use the twigs as toothbrushes, where they help to firm up the gums and prevent gum disease [254, 303]. Dentists find them effective in preventing periodontal disease [303]. The bark is bitter and astringent [254]. A decoction is applied externally to haemorrhoids[254]. Neem oil is a powerful spermicide and can therefore be used as an inexpensive birth control method [303]. Neem oil has been used traditionally as a topical treatment for skin symptoms in both humans and livestock, but it should not be ingested orally[303]. Neem has proved effective against certain fungi that infect humans. In a laboratory study, neem preparations showed toxicity to cultures of 14 common fungi[303]. The tree has suppressed several species of pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella typhosa and Staphylococus aureus [303]. Various parts of A. indica have anthelmintic, antiperiodic, antiseptic, diuretic and purgative actions, and are also used to treat boils, pimples, eye diseases, hepatitis, leprosy, rheumatism, scrofula, ringworm and ulcers [303].

Known Hazards

Neem extracts may have toxic effects on fish and other aquatic wildlife and on some beneficial insects. Therefore, care should be taken that any unused extracts are disposed of by exposing them to heat or sunlight to break down the active compounds [303]. Alkaloids in the fruit and bark contain alkaloids that may cause vomiting.