Therapeutic Potential of Azadirachta indica (Neem)-A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Plant based traditional health care is one of the ancient remedies used to prevent and treat many health-related disorders. Due to increasing cost of medicine in the modern era, people are now moving towards the utilization of ancient ethno medicinal plants-based remedies to prevent and treat diseases as well as to maintain their health. Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem has been used since ancient times as ethno medicinal plant due to its pharmacological and therapeutic potential. Different parts of this plant including leaves, fruit, bark, seeds and flowers can be used to prevent many diseases. Many structurally complex and biologically active components can be extracted and utilized from different parts of neem. Purpose: Purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of different parts of neem as they contain various biologically active components that are beneficial in prevention and treatment of various health related disorders. Method: Science direct, Google scholar, Web of Science and PubMed were accessed to review the therapeutic potential of neem in different diseases. Results: Neem has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-cancer, immunostimulant, orodental, skin protection, neuropharmacological, ulcer treating, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, renal protection and hematological parameters maintaince properties. Conclusion: There is no evidence of adverse effects of neem in literature. Only the people who are allergic to it can have side effects otherwise it is stomach friendly in all conditions due to which it can be used for treatment of various health related disorders.