Pharmacological activities of neem (Azadirachta indica): A review

Abstract

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, has attracted worldwide prominence in recent years, owing to its wide range of medicinal properties. 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. Neem possesses anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties. Various effects like antibacterial, anti-fungal, anthelmintic, anti- parasitic, anticancer, anti HIV, antibone resorption, antispasmodic, antipyretic, antidiarrheal, immunomodulation, hypolipidemic, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, gastro protective have also been studied.