Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is perhaps the most useful traditional medicinal plant in India. Biologically active ingredients of this plant have diverse applications. Each part of the neem tree has some medicinal property and is thus commercially exploitable. These compounds belong to the natural products called triterpenoids. (Limonoids). Alkali treated neem cake performed significantly better when incorporated into poultry feeds. Several animals and plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria, viral, protozoan and Helminthes are sensitive to neem preparations, with antiseptic properties. NSO and leaves extract significantly inhibited fertility in males, but not anti-ovulatory, hence “sensal” a contraceptive. This review gives a bird’s eye view mainly on 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.
