Antifungal, Contraceptive, Anti-Cancer, Mosquito Repellent Properties of Azadirachta Indica: A review
Abstract:
Azadirachta
indica, or more commonly known as Neem, is noted for a variety of medicinal properties.
Large numbers of unique
phytochemical
constituents have been
purified from this plant that are being used effectively as anti-fungal,
anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory
agents. Neem
leaf is an essential ingredient of many Ayurveda medicines. Gedunin and nimbidol
are found in the leaves of neem, are shown powerful antifungal activity in various
fungal infections in humans. Traditional forms of medicine practiced for centuries
in Africa and Asia has been reported that, the leaf extract of Azardica indica possess
wound healing activity when applied over external wound and it also taken internally
to boost immunity and improve overall health. Several parts of this plant are used
in many ailments such as intestinal pain, diabetics, fever, hepatitis, etc. Although
the effects of neem are widely known and appreciated, thus far steps haven’t been
taken to study its individual properties, and prove through research the extent
of its prowess. This review gives a bird’s eye view mainly on the some of the biological
activity of the neem includes antifungal, contraceptive and anti-cancer and mosquito
repellent properties.
Keywords:
Azardica indica, antifungal, contraceptive, anti-cancer, P.ovale, mosquito repellent.
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