Abstract

MEDICINAL USES OF NEEM

Sarika K. Walunj, Siddhi S. Borhade, Sakshi K. Waghmare* and Anuja S. Khillari

ABSTRACT

Plants have typically demonstrated medical characteristics over time that have been highlighted. The majority of cancer medications come from plant-based ingredients. In several Asian nations, a plant known as "neem" or Azadirachta indica has been utilised to treat a variety of illnesses. A. indica has been referred to as "the wonder tree" or "nature's pharmacy store" because of its many medicinal uses. There are several photochemicals produced by this plant's various components, including the leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, roots, bark, and oil, which have a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties. Neem has become popular in modern medicine due to its extensive use in Ayurveda, Unani, and homoeopathic treatments. Neem produces a wide range of chemically diverse and structurally complex physiologically active chemicals. From various neem plant components, more than 140 distinct chemicals have been discovered. The traditional use of the neem tree's leaves, blossoms, seeds, fruits, roots, and bark for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin conditions, and dental problems includes all of these parts. Neem leaf's therapeutic benefits have been specifically discussed. The immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antiulcer, antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic activities of neem leaf and its components have been proven. The extensive spectrum of pharmacological functions of neem leaf are summarised in this article.

Keywords: Azadirachta-indica, Phytochemical, Pharmacological, Immunomodulatory, Hepatoprotective.