Biofunctional Properties of Melia azedarach Extracts

Melia azedarach is a botanical species on the focus of global research for its biological properties. It is usually used for its timber as well as a shade tree. This deciduous tree is a Meliaceae species that, unlike Azadirachta indica, adapts in various tropical and warm temperate regions around the world and has thus gradually gained scientific interest. The secondary metabolites it contains exhibit various biological properties, belong to different chemical categories and can be extracted from various plants parts. The appliance of such knowledge is of interest in medicine and agriculture, while analytical methods and extraction procedures serve as tools for identification and quantification of similar substances in other complex botanical matrixes. To date the discovery of novel alternative methods for diseases and pest control are mandatory, due to resistance problems and toxicity management to non target organisms.