A comprehensive review of phytochemical profile, bioactives for pharmaceuticals, and pharmacological attributes of Azadirachta indica

Phytother Res. 2018 Jul;32(7):1241-1272. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6076. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Abstract

Azadirachta indica L. is a multipurpose medicinal tree of family Meliaceae. It occurs in tropical and semitropical regions of the world. Different parts of this miraculous tree are used to treat pyrexia, headache, ulcer, respiratory disorders, cancer, diabetes, leprosy, malaria, dengue, chicken pox, and dermal complications. The tree is popular for its pharmacological attributes such as hypolipidemic, antifertility, microbicidal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, insecticidal, nematicidal, antiulcer, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antileishmaniasis properties. A. indica is also rich in various phytochemicals for pharmaceuticals such as alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. The fungicidal potential of the tree is due to the presence of azadirachtin and nimbin. Herein, we have compiled a comprehensive review of phytochemical profile, pharmacological attributes, and therapeutic prospective of this multipurpose tree.

Keywords: Azadirachta indica; azadirachtin; bioactives; medicinal uses; neem; pharmacological attributes; secondary metabolites.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Azadirachta / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Limonins / chemistry
  • Limonins / pharmacology
  • Limonins / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Phytochemicals / chemistry
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology
  • Phytochemicals / therapeutic use
  • Phytotherapy / methods
  • Plant Extracts* / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts* / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts* / therapeutic use
  • Prospective Studies
  • Terpenes / chemistry
  • Terpenes / pharmacology
  • Terpenes / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Limonins
  • Phytochemicals
  • Plant Extracts
  • Terpenes
  • nimbin
  • azadirachtin