Abstract: Neem (Azadirachta indica), generally called Margosa or Indian Lilac, belongs to the family Meliaceae, subfamily Meloideae, and tribe Melieae. Neem has been known as a life-giving tree, holy tree, divine tree, village drug store, village pharmacy, panacea, and omnipotent tree of the Indian subcontinent. It has been widely mentioned in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Unani medicines. Neem is considered harmless to humans, animals, birds, beneficial insects, and earthworms and has also been approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for use as a food crop. The neem tree has been used traditionally for centuries in both medicine and agriculture. Although neem is one of the most ancient and most widely used herbs on Earth, intense investigations of the properties of neem are now being undertaken. This serve as an example, if the traditional wisdom scientifically explored, can guide the efforts of modern science in discovering remedies for human ailments. Neem has immense potential, as it is the most versatile, multifarious tree of tropics. It contains maximum useful nonwood products (leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, seed, gum, oil, and neem cake) than any other phytochemically reach tree. Throughout the world, especially in the Indian subcontinent, the neem tree is referred to as a village pharmacy because it cures diseases and disorders ranging from bad teeth and bed bugs to ulcers and malaria (John, 2001). The health-promoting effect of neem is attributed to its rich source of antioxidant. Earlier finding confirmed that neem and its constituents play a role in the scavenging of free radical generation and prevention of disease pathogenesis. Recently, it has been reported as anticancerous and used for hepato-renal protective activities and hypolipidemic effect. The studies based on animal model established that neem and its chief constituents play a pivotal role in anticancer management through the modulation of various molecular pathways including p53, pTEN, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Bcl-2, and VEGF. Neem seeds and leaves have the ability to kill some disease-causing fungus, viruses, and parasites. It is considered as a safe medicinal plant and modulates numerous biological processes without any adverse effect. Neem has been found highly useful in controlling the oral disease, dental infections, and gum care. It has also been found to have contraceptive properties and effective in controlling the sexually transmitted disease (STDs).
Publication Year: 2018
Publication Date: 2018-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 29
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