The Review on Medicinal uses of Neem

The present review paper focused on the control of plant diseases by using neem kernel extract. For so many years farmers are using neem extract for the control of pests and diseases in plants in Atharvaveda they stated that neem effectively works on the control of diseases. It was controlledby many seed-borne and soil-borne pathogens. It was effectively works on control of early blight and wilt of tomatoes and seed-borne diseases of cowpea. Powdery mildew disease can be controlled by using neem kernel extract. The Neem has many medicinal properties in Ayurveda (the ancient book of medicine) which states neem as Kalpavriksha. The aqueous extract of neem and oil has shown that it is effective on controlling soil-borne pathogens like Fusarium oxysporum (f.sp,ciceri), Alternariasolani, Sclerotium roofs, wilt and rot in gram. The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) has been known as the wonder tree for centuries in the Indian subcontinent. It has become important in the global context today because it offers answers to the major concerns facing mankind.Neem (Azadirachta indica) is considered harmless to humans, animals, birds, beneficial insects and earthworms, and has been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency for use on food crops. Azadirachtin and other active ingredients in the neem seed have insecticidal properties that are effective against a broad spectrum of insects, many mites and nematodes, and even snails and fungi, and do not seem to generate resistance in the pests they affects.


Introduction
The medical properties of Neem have been known to Indians since time immemorial. The earliest Sanskrit medical writings refer to the benefits of Neem"s fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and bark. Each has been used in the Indian Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicines, and is now being used in the manufacture of modern day medicinals, cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals.The Neem tree has been known as the wonder tree for centuries in the Indian subcontinent. Neem has become important in the global context today for its variety of medicinal uses.Neem extract which have Nimbinin, nimbandiol as active constituents, alcoholic extract of the leaves was found to possess a significant blood sugar lowering effect, which are very useful against diabetes. Neem is used in Dermatitis Eczema, Acne, Bacterial, Fungal infections and other skin disorders. It has demonstrated its effectiveness as a powerful antibiotic. Neem also has shown antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It helps support a strong immune system and is used in cases of inflammatory skin conditions. Traditionally Neem has been used for skin and blood purifying conditions. Perhaps Neem's most touted advantage is the effect it has upon the skin.
Preparations from the leaves or oils of the tree are used as general antiseptics. Due to Neem's antibacterial properties, it is effective in fighting most epidermal dysfunction such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Ancient ayurvedic practitioners believed high sugar levels in the body caused skin disease; Neem's bitter quality was said to counteract the sweetness. Traditionally, Indians bathed in Neem leaves steeped in hot water. Since there has never been a report of the topical application of Neem causing an adverse side effect, this is a common procedure to cure skin ailments or allergic reactions. Neem also may provide antiviral treatment for smallpox, chicken pox and warts--especially when applied directly to the skin. Its effectiveness is due in part to its ability to inhibit a virus from multiplying and spreading. Neem produces pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing compounds that can aid in the healing of cuts, burns, sprains, earaches, and headaches, as well as fevers. Several studies of Neem extracts in suppressing malaria have been conducted, all supporting its use in treatment. Neem has broad applications to human and animal health, as well as organic farming. Neem is a powerful antiviral and antibacterial. But, it has peculiarities that set it apart from other herbs in that class of broad antimicrobials. Neem oil is also commonly added to a variety of creams and salves.
It is effective against a broad spectrum of skin diseases including eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, wrinkles, rashes and dandruff. A few drops can be added to hand healing salves and shampoo. Neem oil is highly effective as a mosquito repellent. Because of its unpleasant smell, it is best when it is added to a formula with other essential oils, such as citronella. Neem oil is an effective and environmentally safe pesticide when it is diluted and sprayed on crops through irrigation systems. It is a healthier alternative to artificial chemical pesticides. Neem oil does not harm the soil and it increases yields.

Taxonomical description of Neem:
Kingdom Plantae Division Magnoliophyta

Order Sapindales
Family Meliaceae

Ecology:
Neem grows in the plains and in areas up to an elevation of 1850 m. In its introduced range, Neem is cultivated from sea level to an altitude of 1500 m. Neem is tolerant to most soil types including dry, stony, shallow soils, lateritic crusts, highly leached sands and clays. With an extensive and deep root system, the hardy Neem can grow and flourish even in marginal and leached soils. The Neem tree is noted for its drought resistance. Normally it thrives in areas with sub-arid to sub-humid conditions, with an annual rainfall between 400 and 1200 mm. It can grow in regions with an annual rainfall below 400 mm, but in such cases it depends largely on the ground water levels. Neem can grow in many different types of soil, but it thrives best on well drained deep and sandy soils (pH 6.2-7.0). It is a typical tropical/subtropical tree and exists at annual mean temperatures between 21-32 °C. It can tolerate high to very high temperatures. It does not tolerate temperature below 4 °C (leaf shedding and death may ensue).

Health Benefits:
Neem needs no introduction in today"s world.. Neem is known as free tree of India as it is found almost everywhere in India. It is considered as a magic tree, which has properties that not only relieves but also cures from illness.Neem is an herb that has been a great assert to human species since thousands of centuries. Neem is extremely useful to humans and this is the reason it is being worshiped in India and is considered as the place where Gods resides. It is said that no evil spritsdares to come near a neem tree and this is the reason neem is a part of every Indian house.Neem is used for treatment of eye problems such as night blindness and conjunctivitis. In case of night blindness, apply the juice of the neem to the eyes externally each night. Direct application has better results. This is done by grinding the neem leaves to a fine powder and then making a paste of this with water. Strain this juice through a clean cloth and apply the juice which filters out onto the eyes with an eye rod. In conjunctivitis, apply the neem juice obtained from its leaves directly onto the eyes. Neem has been used as a medicine for more than 5000 years. Neem is especially good for those with skin disorders such as eczema. As a natural eczema remedy, neem when applied on the skin relieves you from itching and the painful symptoms arising from your disorder. You can also take a warm bath with neem leaves in it. In fact, this is a very common custom in India. It is also highly suitable in the instance when you have some minor infections. Acne causing bacteria are killed by neem. Boil some neem leaves in water and use the water to wash your body.

Medicinal Properties:
Medicinal properties of neem have been known to Indians since time immemorial. The earliest Sanskrit medical writings refer to the benefits of neem"s fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and bark. Each of these has been used in the Indian Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. In Ayurvedic literature neem is described in the following manner: "Neem bark is cool, bitter, astringent, acrid and refrigerant. It is useful in tiredness, cough, fever, loss of appetite, worm infestation. It heals wounds and vitiated conditions of kapha, vomiting, skin diseases, excessive thirst, and diabetes. Neem leaves are reported to be beneficial for eye disorders and insect poisons. It treats Vatik disorder. It is anti-leprotic. It"s fruits are bitter, purgative, antihemorrhoids and anthelmintic".It is claimed that neem provides an answer to many incurable diseases. Traditionally neem products have been used against a wide variety of diseases which include heat-rash, boils, wounds, jaundice, leprosy, skin disorders, stomach ulcers, chicken pox, etc. Modern research also confirms neem"s curative powers in case of many diseases and provides indications that neem might in future be used much more widely. Some important medical and veterinary application of neem is given on this website.Neem has rightly been called sarvaroghari. Since time immemorial, Indians have learnt and made use of neem in a variety of ways both for personal and community health by way of environmental amelioration. Despite all the vicissitudes India has gone through over the centuries, neem has managed to remain a friend, philosopher and guide to an average Indian. It is time this heritage is appreciated and in area of promotional and preventive health care, our indigenous knowledge and resources are made use of on an increasing scale as low-cost, effective ingredient for the realization of the lofty goal of "Health for all". As Naveen Patnaik (1993, p. 40) says, "Possessed of many and great virtues, this native Indian tree has been identified on the five-thousandyear-old seals excavated from the Indus Valley Civilization". How the tradition lives on has also been graphically brought out, "Today the margosa is valued more highly for its capacity to exercise the demon of disease than the spirit of the dead, and an image of the folk goddess Sitala can often be seen suspended from a margosa branch where she guards against small pox, once the great killer of the Indian country side. Renowned for its antiseptic and disinfection properties, the tree is thought to be particularly protective of women and children. Delivery chambers are fumigated with its burning bark (Margosa seed oil has been chemically tested as an external contraceptive, used by women as a spermicide). Dried margosa leaves are burned as mosquito repellent. Fresh leaves, notorious for their bitterness, are cooked and eaten to gain immunity from malaria.Neem"s antiseptic properties are widely recognized now. "Neem preparations are reportedly efficacious against a variety of skin diseases, septic sores, and infected burns. The leaves, applied in the form of poultices or decoctions, are also recommended for boils, ulcers, and eczema. The oil is used for skin diseases such as scrofula, indolent ulcers and ringworm. Cures for many diseases have been reported but these need to be confirmed independently by trials under controlled conditions. Laboratory tests have shown that neem is effective against certain fungi that infect the human body. Some important fungi against which neem preparations have been found to be effective are: athlete"s foot fungus that infects hair, skin and nails; a ringworm that invades both skin and nails of the feet; a fungus of the intestinal tract; a fungus that causes infections of the bronchi, lungs, and mucous membranes and a fungus that is part of the normal mucous flora that can get out of control leading to lesions in mouth (thrush), vagina, skin, hands and lungs.Neem has been used traditionally in India to treat several viral diseases. Even many medical practitioners believe that smallpox, chicken pox and warts can be treated with a paste of neem leavesusually rubbed directly on the infected skin. Experiments with smallpox, chicken pox, and fowl pox show that although neem does not cure these diseases, but it is effective for purposes of prevention.

Cancer:
Neem"s efficacy in killing cancer cells or boosting the body"s immune system to protect it from damage. Neem or its isolated compounds have shown impressive action against a wide variety of human cancer cell that include colon, stomach, lung, liver, skin, oral, prostate and breast.

Potential Contraceptive Properties of Neem:
Use of Neem as either a pre or post coital contraceptive, noting that it prevented proliferation of sperm cells in concentrations as low as 0.05 to 1%. Purified extracts of Neem contained immunomodulators that stimulate the cells and macrophages that terminate pregnancies. Fertility was regained after one or two cycles with no apparent impact to future pregnancies. Diabetes: With its extremely bitter properties, Neem has been used in disorders caused by overeating sweets. Recent studies have focused that Neem"s hypoglycemic effect.

Immuno stimulatory Compound:
Immuno-stimulating properties of neem is most important benefit. It boosts both the lymphocytic and cell-mediated systems, including "Killer T" cells which are able to destroy microbes, viruses and cancer cells by injecting toxic chemicals into the invaders. Liver functions: It helps to protect the liver from damage, which in turn helps to cleanse the blood. Neem leaf minimize, chemically induced liver damage by stabilizing levels of serum marker enzymes and boosting levels of antioxidants, like those found in vitamin C and E and in natural carotenoids, which neutralize free radicals and prevent damage.

Neuroprotective Effect:
Antioxidant compounds in neem help to prevent brain damages, who had suffered a stroke by enhancing lipid peroxidation and increasing ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in the brain. Oral Diseases: Another traditional use of neem has been to chew the neem sticks. It is still used to clean teeth in rural parts of India. Antimicrobial properties that help to reduce plaque and gingivitis.

Dental Care:
People used Neem twigs as tooth brushes for centuries. Neem twigs contain antiseptic ingredients necessary for dental hygiene and prevents tooth decay, periodontal diseases, Infections, tooth decay, bleeding gums and sore gums. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Neem shows great potential to control sexually transmitted diseases. Neem provided 75% protection from the HIV virus. Stress: Low doses of Neem leaf extracts have sedative effects. The effect disappears at high doses, approximately 400 or 800 milligrams per kilograms of body weight. It also reduces anxiety and stress.

Ulcers:
Using Neem bark decreases 77% gastric acid secretion as well as gastric secretion volume 63% and pepsin activity 50%, due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, gastric damage is reduced.

Arthritis:
Neem has a long history of relieving inflamed joints. Neem not only helps in reducing inflammation but also suppress the pain. It is also useful in Rheumatism. Heart Disease: Major causes of a heart attack include blood clots, high cholesterol, arrhythmic heart action and high blood pressure. Its leaf extracts have reduced clotting, lowered blood pressure and bad cholesterol, slowed rapid or abnormally high heartbeat and inhibited irregular heart rhythms.

Malaria:
Malaria is quite common in India and throughout the tropics. Neem leaf extracts helps to prevent normal development of the malaria virus. Even though Neem may be effective against the parasites that carry malaria, it has not been shown to prevent the malaria infection once it"s in the body. Dried margosa leaves are burned as mosquito repellent.

Skin Diseases:
Neem has been highly successfully against harmful fungi, parasites, and viruses. It has been most helpful in treating a variety of skin problems and diseases including psoriasis, eczema and other persistent conditions. Psoriasis is successfully treated with Neem oil. Vitiligo: Vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose its color. The dosage is of four grams of Neem leaves three times a day, ideally taken before each meal. Neem oil applied to the affected areas could aid in the reversal of discoloration.

Viral Diseases:
In India, Neem is also used to treat viral diseases such as smallpox, chicken-pox. Neem has antibacterial characteristics as well.

AIDS:
Some of the best news is that Neem may help in the search for prevention or a cure for. AIDS. AIDS may possibly be treated by ingesting Neem leaf extracts or the whole leaf or by drinking a Neem tea.

Description of Neem:
Neem tree: neem tree is the fastest growing ever green tropical tree related to mahogany. It will grow in a place where rain fall in as low as 18 inches and it can tolerate the extreme heat of 120°F. They are reportedly lived up to 200 years. Leaves: compound alternate rachis15-25 long,0.1 cm thick, leaflets with oblique base, opposite, extipulate, lanceolate, acute, serrate 7-8.5cm long and 1-1.7cm wide slightly yellowish green, and bitter to taste. It contains the flavonoid called Nimbin and Azadirachtin.

Commercial Uses:
Almost every part of the Neem tree viz. roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, trunks and branches has multiple uses. Neem is not only an excellent source of pesticides, it also provides good fodder, fuel and timber. This makes Neem tree a very potentially profitable.

Timber:
The sapwood of Neem tree is grayish white, while the heartwood is reddish brown. The wood is aromatic; it is not very lustrous though but is easily sawn. It seasons well when sawn still wet. It can be worked both by hand and by machines, but it does not take polish well. Neem timber is durable even in extended exposed conditions. In addition, it is resistant to termites and woodwarms.

Bark:
Neem bark contains tannins which are used in tanning, dyeing etc. Compounds extracted from Neem bark are used in production of some dental-care products like toothpaste etc.

Leaves:
Neem leaves possess excellent medicinal properties. In addition to it's usefulness in Pest management and Disease control they can also be fed to livestock when mixed with other fodder. Neem leaves are used in some parts of Indian as fertilizer in rice fields, especially in the south Indian states. In some countries, Neem leaves are used as mulch in tobacco and tomato fields. They can be very effectively used to kill weeds by spreading them over plant roots to retain moisture. Neem leaves can also be used to protect stored woolen and silk clothes from insects.

Neem Cake:
Neem cake is versatile and has many uses. It can be used as livestock feed, fertilizer and natural pesticide. It not only provides organic nitrogen but also inhibits the nitrification process, when mixed with urea, before applying in the fields. Such use of the neem coated urea in 90:10 proportion can save upto 30% of the total chemical nitrogen requirement of the crops which otherwise would go waste. This results in cost reductions of agricultural production. Neem cake is widely used in India as fertilizer for sugarcane, vegetable and other cash crops. The Neem cake (which is waste after extraction of oil) is not only increases organic matter but also inhibits the nitrogen loses from the fields by inhibiting nitrification. It also used as nematicide. Neem extracts have found to be have Anti-bacterial, antifungal, and nematacidal properties and which is used in rice, wheat and tomato cultivation.

Neem used as a fertilizer:
The left over os neem oil is used as manure it is a excellent soil conditioner. It acts as a bio-fertilizer which helps in nourishment of nutrients which are helpful to plants. It is used as fertilizer in both cash crops and food crops mainly in rice and sugar cane. It is bio degradable, eco-friendly and excellent soil conditioner. Neem used as a manure: many plants and animal excreta has improved soil fertility and increasing plant growth The Future Aspects:

Medicines:
Herbal medicines are used for the treatment of different types of diseases in all parts of the world. The neem tree is an important part of these herbal medicines and is mentioned in many ancient texts dealing with medicines. Traditional Indian medical authorities place it at the pinnacle of their pharmacopeia. Due to the extraordinary properties of Neem, its bark, leaves, flowers, seed, and fruit pulp were and are now used to treat a wide range of diseases and complaints ranging from leprosy, diabetes, and ulcers to skin disorders and constipation, etc. Scientists from the developed world are working extensively in exploring the Neem tree and its properties to formulate new antibiotics.

Cosmetics:
Different parts of the Neem tree are being used extensively in manufacturing of soaps, skin creams/lotions, shampoos, toothpastes, beauty aids and toiletries. The Neem twigs are more commonly being used as antiseptic tooth brushes. In most cases Neem oil/extract is being used for making these cosmetics like soaps and tooth pastes etc.

Agricultural:
It is in agriculture where most of the scientists focused their research for exploring the benefits of Neem for crop production. Because of those findings, Neem oil, Neem cake, leaves and other parts of Neem tree are being used quite extensively in the agriculture sector in different parts of world. Its main uses in the agriculture sector include being an insecticide in food storage, as soil amendment, fertilizer efficiency enhancer, and very effective foliar pesticide.

Food Storage:
In all areas of tropics, much of the harvested food is lost during storage because of Food worms, beetles and other infestations. People do not prefer to use chemicals insecticides on stored grains in general and more specifically for food stored for their own consumption. For centuries, Neem oil has provided farmers with an effective remedy against such insects. A very light coating of Neem oil protects stored food crops for up to 20 months from all types of infestations with no deterioration or loss of palatability. Neem fresh leaves are also used on small scale for storage of food grain at home quite effectively, but this is being done on a small scale.

Soil Amendment:
Neem cake (after the oil is extracted from the seed kernels, the left over material is called cake) has been used for many centuries throughout Indian sub continent as an effective soil amendment. Farmers of this region have learned through experience that using Neem cake in soil produces larger and healthier plants that have few or no insect/disease problem. Several studies were also conducted by different scientists to find out why plants grew better in soil mixed with Neem cake. Their results revealed that Neem cake is richer in plant available nutrients than manures; it killed damaging nematodes, promoted large population of earth worms, helped keep nitrogen in the soil available for plants and provide significant protection from insects. Farmers of that region have a clear idea that by killing nematodes in soil, a major plant pest is eliminated from soil. Nematodes are very harmful for plants. Nematodes suck juice from roots of plants to the point where they are unable to supply sufficient nutrients to the plant. Then the plants look unhealthy, fail to grow and may eventually die despite sufficient food, water and care. Use of Neem cake in soil also helps keep soil loose by promoting earthworm activities in soil, which helps in absorption of nutrients and water by plants more easily and efficiently. Neem cake allows plants to develop a strong defense system against these pest attacks by initially protecting plants from insect/pest. Secondly, Neem compounds absorbed through soil enhance these natural defense systems with proven nutritive, antifungal and insect repellent properties of Neem.

Conclusion
Neem leaves and roots are good for blood circulation and blood purification. Neem has been extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathic medicine and has become a cynosure of modern medicine. Neem elaborates a vast array of biologically active compounds that are chemically diverse and structurally complex. More than 140 compounds have been isolated from different parts of neem. All parts of the neem tree-leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark have been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders. Neem leaf and its constituents have been demonstrated to exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycaemic, antiulcer, antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. It comes out Among these, the Neem tree is one of the most important one. Neem is deemed very effective in the treatment of scabies although only preliminary scientific proof exists which still has to be corroborated, and is recommended for those who are sensitive to permethrin, a known insecticide which might be irritant.