ABSTRACT:
Neem (Azadirachta indica ) is perhaps the most useful traditional medicinal plant in India. Each part of the neem tree has some medicinal property and is thus commercially exploitable. It is now considered as a valuable source of unique natural products for development of medicines against various diseases and also for the development of industrial products. The biological activities of some of the neem compounds isolated, pharmacological actions of the neem extracts, clinical studies and plausible medicinal applications of neem along with their safety evaluation are of utmost importance now. Neem-based mouth rinse is equally efficacious with fewer side effects as compared to chlorhexidine and may be used as an adjunct therapy in treating plaque induced gingivitis. Neem has been long considered to have an astringent, antiseptic, insecticidal, antiulcer and for medical properties. It is used for periodontitis and other dental diseases. The antibacterial activity of neem has been evaluated and known from ancient times. Other than this, the leaf extract of neem has also shown superior antiviral and antihyperglycemic activity in vitro and in vivo on animals.