Melese Damtew
It was estimated from World Health Organization (WHO) that most of the world population depends on herbal medicine for their health care. Azadirachta Indica also known as neem plant is one of the most popular medicinal plants in Asia and Africa which was used from the anceint times for many medicinal purposes. It is used in many traditional remedies because of its richness with biological active constituents. Some of these chemical constituents are Nimbidin, Nimbin, Nimbolide, Gedunin, Azadirachtin, Mahmoodin, Cyclic trisulphide and others which are used as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antigastric ulcer, antiarthritic, spermicidal antifungal, antimalarial, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, diuretic and antitumour. Traditionally different parts of the plant are used by populations from many countries for the treatment of several diseases such as leprosy, epistaxis, eye problem, elimination of intestinal worms, anorexia, skin ulcers, biliousness, Skin diseases like ringworms, burning sensation, wounds and itching. It also used in agriculture as pesticides and fertilizer to increase crop production. Nowadays drug resistance is the main problem in both animals and humans due to use of synthetic products for long period of time which makes this plant to be preferable as alternative to overcome the situation. The tree is also source of feed for animals which is providing a number of nutrients like protein, minerals, fatty acids, vitamins. This implies that they are acquiring the medicine indirectly and become resistance toward diseases.
The present work provides comprehensive information on the medicinal use, other application, the chemical constituents and side effects of Azadirachta Indica.