Bio-active compounds isolated from neem tree and their applications

Abstract

The extracts of different parts of neem tree (Azadirachta indica) have been well documented for its pharmacological or medicinal properties and their wide applications by indigenous healthcare practices. Pharmacological properties exhibited by plant parts could be further explored for development of new herbal formulations and therapeutic agents. Pharmacological properties of neem tree are due to the presence of active phytochemicals like flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, alkaloids, tannins, sulphurous compounds, carbohydrates, proteins and minerals. Various medicinal properties and applications of neem tree have been well documented in ancient Indian system of medicine and scripts such as Susruta Samhita and Charak Samhita. Over 700 herbal preparations based on A. indica have been recognized in traditional system of medicine such as Unani, homoeopathy, Ayurveda and Siddha, and more than 160 local practices are known in different countries of the world in which neem contributes as a main or the sole constituent for curing various diseases. Neem displays various medicinal properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antigingivitis, antifungal, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antipyretic and wound healing activities. All the parts of neem tree have been used as traditional medicines. In addition to its therapeutic potential, neem is being extensively used as eco-friendly commercial agrochemicals and pesticides. The present chapter provides the critical description of phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of different parts of neem tree and its important natural bio-active compounds.