Abstract

NEEM (AZADIRACHTA INDICA): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ITS MEDICINAL, AGRICULTURAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL

Mr. Siddhant V. Dhaware*, Mrs. Amrata D. Suryawanshi, Mr. Nishant V. Kamble, Mr. Altaf R. Mazkori, Mr. Rohan R. Shinde, Mr. Bhagwat V. Chavan

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Abstract

Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (neem), also known as dogonyaro, Indian Lilac, or Margosa, is a highly versatile tree of the tropics with major ecological, medicinal, and agricultural value. Every part of the plant— leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, seeds, gum, oil, and neem cake—contains bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, insecticidal, and immunomodulatory activities. Key constituents such as azadirachtin and nimbin are potent natural pesticides. Neem is deeply rooted in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy, earning names such as the ―Village Dispensary‖ and ―Wonder Tree.‖ It has been historically used for skin diseases, digestive disorders, malaria, and respiratory ailments. Ecologically, it thrives in semi-arid to subhumid climates, improves soil quality, and supports sustainable agriculture through eco-friendly pesticides and fertilizers. While offering significant health, environmental, and industrial benefits, neem also exhibits certain toxic effects in humans and animals. This review highlights its botanical features, ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and applications, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable bioresource while noting the need to manage its risks.

Keywords: Origin, Benefit of neem, extraction, properties, Application. Taxonomical Classification, Phytochemical Studies and Biologically Active Constituents, Future Scop.