NEEM (Scientific name- Azadirachta indica) is an evergreen medium-sized tree which can reach to a height of about 30-40 feet with spread-out branches. Its bark is moderately thick; dark grey outside and reddish inside. Neem tree is usually seen around villages and on roadsides and is considered beneficial for environment. The flowers start appearing from March until May and its fruit becomes ripe during June-August. They are greenish yellow when ripe, and usually contain only one seed.
The neem tree is noted for its drought resistance. It is known as 'sacred tree', 'nature's drugstore', 'village pharmacy' and 'remedy for all diseases'. Almost every part of the neem treeleaf, bark, flower, fruit, seed and oilis bitter in taste. It is non-toxic and has found many applications in traditional medicine. Neem products have been observed to be antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive, anthelmintic and sedative. It is used as a major component of Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin diseases. Neem leaf, in the form of paste, is applied to the skin to treat spots in the skin and to heal measles and chicken pox, and is also used to boils in the form of a poultice. An extract of leaf (extraction is made by boiling with water) is recommended in ulcers and eczema. A cold water extract of neem (leaf and bark) has shown significant antidiabetic property. It has also the potentiality to control pests in the rural areas. Neem extract does not kill pests directly, but it repels them and affects their growth. The dry flowers are considered as appetizing and a tonic for the body. Neem fruit is regarded as purgative, anthelmintic and soothing to stomach.
Neem seeds contain up to 45% oil, which is usually prepared in 'ghani' (wooden oil mills). It is used to produce cosmetics (soap, shampoo, balms & creams) and is also found to be an effective mosquito repellent. The extracted oil is bitter and has a disagreeable smell. The bitter characteristics of neem oil has been investigated and found to contain 'nimbin', 'nimbinin' and 'nimbidin'. Nimbidin is reported to be free from the unpleasant smell of the oil and is effective against a variety of skin diseases, septic sores, and ulcers caused by burns. It is useful in treating bleeding gums and pyorrhoea. Extract of neem (leaf and bark) is known to be'malaria preventive'. In several cases, private initiatives in Senegal proved to be successful in preventing malaria. However, its detailed clinical study is in the preliminary phase.

Maliha Afrin Student of Home Economics College Dhaka.