Neem oil (Azadirachta Indica)

Neem oil (Azadirachta Indica)
Buy Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica)

Neem oil is a versatile, yellowish-brown to dark-brown oil extracted from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), a species native to the Indian subcontinent and valued for centuries in traditional medicine and agriculture. The neem tree, also known as Indian lilac, is renowned for its resilience and broad medicinal utility.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Yellowish-brown to dark brown oil

• Odor: Strong, characteristic, and pungent

• Refractive Index: ~1.4705 at 40°C

• Specific Gravity: ~0.934

• Saponification Value: ~205

• Iodine Value: 65–80

• Acid Value: ~15

• Unsaponifiable Matter: ~2%

• Titre: ~36°C

Extraction

Neem oil is typically extracted from neem seeds or kernels by:

• Cold pressing of the kernels, which preserves active compounds

• Solvent extraction (using hexane or petroleum ether), often applied to pressed neem cake for higher yield15

Chemical Composition

Neem oil is rich in both fatty acids and bioactive compounds:

• Fatty Acids:

  • Oleic acid: 25–54%

  • Palmitic acid: 16–33%

  • Stearic acid: 9–24%

  • Linoleic acid: 6–16%14

• Other Components:

  • Limonoids (notably Azadirachtin, Salannin, Nimbin, Nimbolide, Gedunin)

  • Vitamin E, carotenoids, and other antioxidants13

  • Sulfur and nitrogen compounds, sesquiterpenes, sterols (β-sitosterol), and phenolic compounds234

Uses and Applications

Medicinal:
Neem oil is often called a "wonder plant" due to its broad medicinal value. It contains compounds such as Mahmoodin, cyclic trisulphide, and nimbolide, which are effective against various pathogens, including Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum. Traditionally, neem oil is used to relieve tiredness, cough, fever, loss of appetite, worm infestations, vomiting, and for topical application on wounds due to its cooling and astringent properties13.

Anti-Malarial & Insecticidal:
Neem oil is a source of Azadirachtin, a potent compound used in anti-malarial medicines and mosquito repellents. Neem limonoids exhibit strong larvicidal, pupicidal, and anti-ovipositional activities, making neem oil a key ingredient in natural pesticides and insect repellents3.

Oral and Hair Hygiene:
Due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, neem oil is widely used in toothpastes, soaps, and shampoos to combat fungal infections and support oral and scalp health1.

Cosmetic and Skin Care:
Neem oil’s high content of essential fatty acids and vitamin E makes it beneficial for skin health. It is used to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions, as well as to moisturize and protect dry or damaged skin1.

Agricultural and Industrial Uses:
Neem oil is used as a natural pesticide and fungicide in organic farming and as an ingredient in soaps and other personal care products3.

Summary Table

Neem oil is a powerful natural product, valued for its medicinal, agricultural, and cosmetic benefits, and is widely used for skin care, pest control, and hygiene applications