Neem leaves

Neem, also known as neem tree or Persian lilac, is a beautiful tree of the Meliaceae family, measuring about 15 m in height.

Its origin is not precisely identified, but it is assumed to be in Southeast Asia, in the Indo-Burma region. It is very common in tropical dry and temperate forests. It is cultivated in Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, Central America and Australia. Capable of growing in a variety of climates, neem prefers sunny locations at altitudes of less than 1,500 m.

This tree has a broad, rounded crown and dark brown, fissured bark. Its foliage is evergreen or deciduous depending on the climate. It has broad, pinnate, alternate leaves with 8 to 18 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. The white or pale yellow flowers of neem are grouped in panicle-like inflorescences at the end of the branches. The fruits are small, oblong, yellowish drupes containing a single oil-bearing seed. Neem produces fruit in 3 years and becomes productive at about 10 years of age.

One of the most notorious constituents of neem is azadirachtin. This molecule, which is found in large quantities in its seeds, has been particularly studied for its repellent and insecticidal characteristics. Indeed, on the one hand, this compound keeps insects away, and on the other hand, it prevents the larval growth as well as the development and reproduction of adult insects. These properties have been shown to be effective against about 100 insects. Neem seed is popular for controlling the malaria vector and treating malaria. Its oil is a good remedy against lice.

Neem oil is said to have broad spectrum antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is also said to have hypoglycaemic qualities, traditionally used to treat diabetes.

Studies have shown that this oil has antioxidant, anti-tumour and immunostimulant functions, promising an interesting future in treatments against certain cancers.

Neem seed is said to have hypotensive properties, useful in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies on the limonoids in neem seed indicate a strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential, used to relieve pain, particularly that caused by arthritis.

The beauty side

Neem seed offers ideal restructuring characteristics in skin and hair care products. As an antioxidant, neem seed can be used in skin care products for mature and stressed skin. It can be of interest in skin lightening treatments.