Neem Tree
Azadirachta excelsa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (11 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Neem Tree, scientifically known as Azadirachta excelsa, is a versatile medicinal powerhouse renowned for its potent bioactive compounds. Deeply rooted in traditional healing, this evergreen marvel offers remarkable antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its leaves, bark, and seeds serve as vital natural remedies for various skin and systemic ailments.
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Tropical
- Parts used
- Seed Kernels · Stem Extract
- Common names
- Neem Tree
- Scientific synonyms
- Azedarach Excelsa · Melia Excelsa · 1 more
Names
Common Names
- Neem Tree
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Sentang
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Azadirachta excelsaSynonyms
- Azedarach excelsa
- Melia excelsa
- Azadirachta integrifoliola
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified under the family Meliaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Azadirachta.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Meliaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Azadirachta | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in Southeast Asia. Within the Indo-China region, it can be found naturally in Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its presence extends further into the Malesia zone, specifically across the island of Borneo. Additionally, the species is well-distributed throughout the Malay Peninsula. Together, these locations highlight the plant's significant ecological reach throughout the tropics.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Malesia | Borneo | WCVP |
| Malesia | Malaya | WCVP |
| Malesia | Maluku | WCVP |
| Malesia | Philippines | WCVP |
| Malesia | Sulawesi | WCVP |
| Malesia | Sumatera | WCVP |
| Papuasia | New Guinea | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Azadirachta excelsa, offers various therapeutic benefits derived from its different anatomical structures. The stem extract is frequently utilized in traditional medicine for its potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, often serving as a base for topical applications or decoctions. Additionally, the seed kernels are highly valued for their concentrated bioactive compounds, which are often processed into oils used to treat skin conditions and various systemic ailments.| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seed kernels | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem extract | Phytochemistry (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Azadirachta excelsa has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 11Alpha-Azadirachtin H, 11beta-Azadirachtin H, 2,3-dihydronimbolide, 28-Deoxonimbolide, Azadirachtol.
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 11Alpha-Azadirachtin H | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 11beta-Azadirachtin H | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2,3-dihydronimbolide | Phytochemistry (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 28-Deoxonimbolide | Phytochemistry (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Azadirachtol | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nimbolide | Phytochemistry (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| azadirachtin B | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| azadirachtin L | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| azadirachtin M | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seed kernels | Journal of natural products (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem extract | Phytochemistry (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |