With love for environment, Dr Manoj Kumar gccba-42, Chandigarh Some facts about NEEM With love for environment, Dr Manoj Kumar gccba-42, Chandigarh

NEEM Margosa or neem is one of the very important trees according to Ayurveda. Neem is used for a variety of medicinal purposes including dental diseases, skin diseases, fevers, cough, vomiting, nausea, thirst, diabetes, tumors, jaundice, rheumatism, arthritis, obesity and many more. According to Ayurveda, it is believed that Neem is a complete pharmacy which can cure many diseases. The parts of the tree that are used include leaves, flowers, fruit, twigs, bark and roots.

Scientific name: Azadirachta Indica Nomenclature Sanskrit name: Nimba English name: Margosa Common name: Neem Scientific name: Azadirachta Indica

Bio-energetics Rasa: Tikta Guna: Ruksha Virya: Sita Vipaka: Katu Dosha: Controls Pitta and Kapha but aggravates Pitta Kriya: Grahi, Vatala, Pittanashaka

Habitat Neem tree is indigenous to Indian sub- continent and is found throughout India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The tree could reach the height of about 15 to 20 meters. The leaves are about 3-8 cm in length. Neem tree has small white flowers which are placed axially in drooping panicles. The fruits are yellow coloured and olive shaped. The tree belongs to the Meliaceae famaily.

Chemical Constituents The bio-chemicals found in neem extracts include Nimbidin, Sodium Nimbidate, Nimbin, Nimbolide, Gedunin, Azadirachtin, Mahmoodin, Gallic acid, Epicatehin, Catechin, Margolone, Margolonone, Isomargolonone, Cyclic trisuphide, Cyclic tetrasulphide, Polysaccharides, Polysaccharides GIa, GIb, GIIa, GIIIa and NB-IIpeptidoglycan. Each of these chemicals possesses various biochemical properties.

Health Benefits Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties: Studies on neem extracts revealed that they possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The chloroform extracts of the stem bark were tested on paw oedema and ear inflammation in rats which were reduced to commendable levels. Anti-ulcer properties: The extracts of neem leaves have shown ulcer controlling properties in scientific studies. Administration of neem extracts on rats with gastric ulcers resulted in healing of the ulcers to a significant level. Anti-microbial properties: Neem leaf, bark and stem extracts possess high microbial controlling properties. Neem extracts control species of fungi, bacteria and viruses. The antibacterial properties of neem are also very good in controlling oral bacteria which are responsible for propagating gum diseases. Traditionally, neem twigs were used as toothbrushes for hundreds of years in India.

Health Benefits(cont.) Diabetes: Diabetes can be controlled significantly by administering the leaf extracts of neem. Tests have shown that the leaf extracts decreased blood glucose levels in not only diabetes induced rats but also among non-diabetic rats. Protection of liver: Liver is one of the organs having a major role in the metabolism of the food that we eat. During this process, the liver can be damaged due to various factors e.g. free radicals and other chemicals. If left unchecked, liver can be damaged beyond repair. Taking neem on a regular basis can prevent damage to the liver with its antioxidants and by counteracting on chemicals which induce liver necrosis. Controls malaria: Scientific studies say that malaria is on the rise due to some resistance developed by the virus to the popular medicines. This is not a good sign as new and stronger medicine must be formulated which can take time. But, nature has already provided us with a possible solution through neem. Neem extracts were tested against chloroquine resistant and sensitive viruses alike.

What to do Plant Neem where ever you get a right place Educate People about the benefits of Neem Share facts about Neem Enjoy the benefits of Neem with friends and family.

With love from Environment Society GCCBA-42, Chandigarh