Extraction Methods and Applications of Bioactive Compounds from Neem (Azadirachta indica): A Mini-Review

Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), native to the Indian subcontinent, is known as a versatile plant, a rich source of bioactive compounds such as azadirachtin, nimonol, nimocinol, nimocinolide, gallic acid, gallocatechin, epicatechin, azadiradione, nimbin, salannin, epoxyazadiradione, etc. The isolated phytochemicals from neem, among others, are more than 300. The present work details the techniques for extracting compounds from different parts of neem, such as bark, husk seed, seed, seed oil, tree, leaves, and flowers. Furthermore, it comments on the various applications, including medicinal, environmental, and veterinary, of the neem-derived bioactive compounds, as well as their use in cattle raising and in cosmetics, disinfectants, rubber, and textile production, on the basis of a systematic documentary analysis from 2019 onwards.

Automated summary

The neem tree is a versatile plant, containing numerous bioactive compounds that can be extracted from different parts such as bark, husk seed, seed, seed oil, tree, leaves, and flowers. Over 300 phytochemicals have been identified from neem. This study provides techniques for extracting compounds from neem and discusses their medicinal, environmental, and veterinary applications, as well as their use in cattle raising and various industries, based on a systematic documentary analysis since 2019.