Melia azedarach
What's the taxonomical classification of Melia azedarach?
Melia azedarach belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Sapindales. This plant is a member of the family Meliaceae, specifically placed within the genus Melia, and is identified as the species azedarach.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Melia |
| Species | azedarach |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Melia azedarach has pinnately compound leaves typically measuring 15 to 40 centimeters in length, arranged oppositely along woody stems that reach heights of up to 15 meters. Each leaf consists of 7 to 15 leaflets that are ovate or lanceolate in shape with serrated margins. The tree produces large, drooping panicles of fragrant, five-petaled lilac or pale yellow flowers during the spring season. Following the flowering stage, the plant develops small, fleshy, globose drupes that turn from green to a bright yellow when mature. These fruits are often borne in dense clusters and can persist on the branches long after the leaves have fallen.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, specifically spanning from China and India to parts of Southeast Asia and Australia. It has since been widely naturalized throughout much of the world due to its ability to thrive in various climates. In North America, it is frequently found in the southern United States and has become an invasive species in many coastal and riparian habitats. It also establishes itself successfully in many Mediterranean-style environments across Africa and South America. Because it can tolerate a range of soil types and moisture levels, its presence is increasing in many non-native territories.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Melia azedarach, is cultivated in warm temperate to subtropical climates by planting seeds or cuttings in well-drained, fertile soils with full sun exposure.
It thrives in various soil types including sandy or loamy textures and can tolerate moderate drought once its root system is established. Growers often manage the tree to prevent it from becoming invasive in sensitive ecosystems due to its rapid growth and prolific seed production. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages the development of its characteristic fragrant lilac flowers.
Because it is relatively hardy, it requires minimal intervention beyond occasional watering during extreme dry spells.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Melia azedarach utilizes its bark, flowers, fruit, leaves, and roots for various medicinal purposes in traditional healing practices. The bitter bark is frequently processed to treat skin conditions and parasitic infections. Fragrant flowers are often used in decoctions to manage fever or inflammatory issues. Small, drupaceous fruits serve as a source for treating intestinal worms, though they must be handled with caution due to toxicity. The leaves are crushed into topical applications for wounds, while the roots are prepared to address digestive ailments.
According to a study published by "African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM", Melia azedarach L. is used for the treatment of various diseases such as chest complaint, blood purification, asthma, hypertension and infertility. Among the invasive alien plant species studied, the most used plant parts are 57.6% leaves, followed by 33.3% roots, and whole plant, seeds and bark at 3% each. The study involved approximately 30 Bapedi traditional healers who were randomly selected. Of the 10 invasive alien plants investigated, 80% or 8 species are listed in both NEMBA and CARA legislation. Only 20% or 2 species are listed in NEMBA alone.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- flowers
- fruit
- leaf
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Melia azedarach, has been utilized for centuries in various traditional medicinal systems to treat conditions such as skin diseases, intestinal worms, and inflammatory ailments. Within the Ayurvedic system of Indian traditional medicine, it is classified as a substance used to balance bodily humors and address various parasitic infections. Historical practitioners frequently applied its bitter leaves and bark in topical preparations to manage dermatological issues. The seeds have also been documented in folk medicine for their potent anthelmintic properties. This long history of usage demonstrates the plant's significant role in regional ethnobotanical practices.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceuatical biology", Melia azedarach Linn (Meliaceae) is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant native to India. It is traditionally used for the treatment of leprosy, inflammation, scrofula, anthelmintic, antilithic, diuretic, debstruction, and cardiac disorders. To evaluate its properties, dose-dependent studies utilized concentrations of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µg/ml. Phytochemical screening studies identified 13 chemical constituents present in the leaf extract of Melia azedarach. The effective dose of 60 µg/ml was utilized to study DNA damage in cultured lymphocytes.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Indian traditional system of medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Melia azedarach?
This plant has significant pharmacological activities including acaricidal, analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties. Its limonoid compounds demonstrate potent acaricidal effects that are effective against various species of mites and ticks. The plant also exhibits anthelmintic capabilities, making it useful for treating internal parasitic worm infections. Furthermore, research indicates that its extracts possess antimicrobial strength to combat pathogens and anti-cancer potential to inhibit tumor cell growth. Finally, its analgesic properties provide a biological basis for managing pain through its chemical constituents.
According to a study published by "Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology", Melia azedarach extracts showed significant toxic effects on embryonated eggs and engorged nymphs of Hyalomma dromedarii. In egg immersion tests, the LC50 of petroleum ether extracts of Melia azedarach was 3.14% and the LC50 of the ethyl alcohol extract was 1.77%. During nymphal immersion tests, the LC50 for petroleum ether extracts was 0.26% while the LC50 for ethyl alcohol extracts was 4.17%. These extracts caused abnormalities such as incomplete development of legs and mouth parts in larvae and shrinkage in the legs and mouthparts of adults. All extracts of the plant show great potential to be developed as a novel acaricidal for controlling these two stages of the tick.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- acaricidal
- analgesic
- anthelmintic
- anti-cancer
- antimicrobial
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of medicinal compounds including azedarachiin B, various limonoids, meliacarpin D, salannin, and a saponifiable fraction (SP). These bioactive molecules are primarily responsible for the plant's significant pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Within this chemical profile, the limonoids like salannin play a crucial role in the biological efficacy of the extracts. The presence of azedarachiin B and meliacarpin D further contributes to the complex phytochemical makeup of the species. Additionally, researchers often isolate the saponifiable fraction (SP) to study its unique chemical characteristics. Together, these constituents define the therapeutic potential of Melia azedarach.
According to a study published by "Chemical & pharmaceuitaul bulletin", a methanol extract of the roots of Melia azedarach was used to isolate several compounds through brine shrimp lethality test-guided fractionation. The study identified two new limonoids, 9alpha-hydroxy-12alpha-acetoxyfraxinellone (1) and 7,14-epoxy-azedarachin B (2), along with known compounds 12alpha-hydroxyfraxinellone (4), 9alpha-hydroxyfraxinellone (5), azedarachin B (6), and neoazedarachin B (7). Compounds 1, 2 and 4-7 exhibited significant activity in the BST. Specifically, azedarachin B (6) showed remarkable activity with an LC50 value of 0.0098 microM.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- azedarachin B
- limonoids
- meliacarpinin D
- salannin
- saponifiable fraction (SP)
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating asthma, helminthiasis, various skin diseases, intestinal worm load, and several other parasitic disorders. The leaves and bark contain bioactive compounds that help alleviate respiratory distress associated with asthma. Its antiparasitic properties make it an effective traditional remedy for reducing intestinal worm load in the digestive tract. Furthermore, topical applications are frequently employed to clear different types of skin diseases. These diverse medicinal uses demonstrate the plant's significant role in managing both internal parasitic disorders and external ailments.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Melia azedarach L. is a traditional medicinal plant used to control pain, pyrexia, inflammation, and bacterial infections. The root of M. azedarach is used as an expectorant and for anti-cough and asthma treatment. To investigate its effects, fruit extract was administered to mice sensitized on days 1 and 14 and challenged from days 21-23 using oral gavage once a day from days 18-23 at doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg. This administration effectively suppressed inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulin E. These results demonstrated that Melia azedarach fruit extract could be a potential therapeutic remedy for treating allergic asthma.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- asthma
- helminthiasis
- skin diseases
- gastroiintestinial nematodiosis
- intestinal worm load
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Melia azedarach, commonly known as neem, which is utilized to create various medicinal herbal preparations including 80 % methanol extracts, ethanolic extract, butanol fraction, and essential oil. These specific formulations are studied for their diverse bioactive properties and therapeutic potential in traditional and modern medicine. The ethanolic extract and 80 % methanol extracts are often processed to isolate specific alkaloids and glycosides. Researchers also utilize the butanol fraction to concentrate certain polar compounds for targeted medicinal use. Furthermore, the essential oil derived from the plant offers a concentrated source of aromatic and bioactive constituents.
According to a study published by "Inflammopharmacology", the ethanolic extract of Melia azedarach (Ma.EE) was prepared and characterized to explore its anti-inflammatory potential. Quantitative assays revealed that Ma.EE contains 236.20 ± 12.09 mg QE/g DE of flavonoids, 34.66 ± 1.56 mg GAE/g DE of phenolics, 79.86 ± 26.73 mg TAE/g DE of tannins, and 27.2% saponins. Different doses of Ma.EE, specifically 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, were tested in various inflammatory and arthritic models. The study found that doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated paw oedema, with notable effects at 200 and 400 mg/kg. These results suggest that the Ma.EE extract exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects by modulating specific cellular and molecular interactions.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 80 % methanol extracts
- Ethanolic extract
- butanol fraction
- essential oil
- neem
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant health issues including cytotoxicity, the inhibition of interferon production, and various skin issues. The presence of toxic compounds leads to cytotoxicity, which results in the direct death of healthy cells within the body. Furthermore, the plant interferes with the immune system by causing an inhibition of interferon production, thereby weakening the body's ability to fight viral infections. Direct contact with the foliage or sap often triggers adverse skin issues such as contact dermatitis or severe irritation. These combined effects make the species potentially hazardous to humans and animals alike.
According to a study published by "Revista Argentina de microbiologia", crude extracts from fresh green leaves of Melia azedarach L are toxic at low dilutions of less than or equal to 1:10 in Vero or BHK-21 cells. When testing cell growth, the G-100 fraction of the plant affects cells at low dilutions of less than or equal to 1:5. However, the DEAE fraction was found to be devoid of toxicity in both types of cytotoxicity tests. The purification process using Sephadex G-100 and DEAE-Sephadex allows for the isolation of an antiviral factor without the toxicity present in crude extracts. Ultimately, the study concludes that a partially purified DEAE fraction exists that contains an antiviral factor devoid of toxicity.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- cytotoxicity
- inhibition of interferon production
- skin issues
What herbs are paired with Melia azedarach?
This plant, Melia azedarach, is frequently paired with other bitter medicinal herbs such as neem, aloe vera, and echinacea to enhance its antiparasitic and skin-healing properties.
These combinations are often formulated in topical salves to address fungal infections or skin ailments more effectively. When used in traditional herbalism, it may also be combined with warming spices like ginger to balance its cooling nature. Practitioners select these specific partners to synergize the plant's bioactive compounds for systemic detoxification.
Careful dosage is required when mixing these potent botanical elements.