निम्ब

Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica A. Juss.

Family: Meliaceae

Synonyms: Arishta, Nimbaka, Picumarda, Paribhadra

Vernacular Name: Commonly known as “Neem,” “Margosa,” or “Indian Lilac.”

Classification: A fast-growing evergreen tree belonging to the Meliaceae family.

Habitat: Native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, often found in dry, rocky, and sandy soils.

Morphology: A medium-to-large tree, reaching up to 15–20 meters in height. It has pinnate leaves with 20–30 leaflets, white fragrant flowers in drooping panicles, and olive-like drupes as fruits.

Useful Parts: Leaves, bark, seeds, flowers, and fruits.

Chemical Composition: Contains azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbidin, nimbolide, quercetin, and other phytochemicals. Neem oil is rich in fatty acids and glycerides.

Pharmacological Action: Known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties. It is widely used in treating skin diseases, infections, fever, and diabetes.

Formulation: Used in Ayurvedic preparations like Nimbadi Kashaya, Pancha Nimba Churna, Nimbadi Taila, and Neem-based soaps and creams.

Rasa: Tikta

Guna: Laghu ,

Virya: Shita

Vipaka: Katu