Margosa Tree, Indian Lilac, Neem Tree
Latin Name: Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Melia azadirachta Linn. (Meliaceae)
Sanskrit/Indian name: Nimba, Nim, Nimb
General information:
Margosa Tree has been described in Ayurveda’s prime text, the Charaka Samhita, as sarva roga nivarini (that which keeps all diseases at bay) or arishtha (reliever of disease). Margosa Tree extracts have been used in the Ayurvedic tradition for thousands of years for maintaining health and overall well-being. The roots, bark, gum, leaves, fruit, seed kernels and seed oil are all used in therapeutic preparations for both internal and topical use.
Therapeutic constituents:
Margosa Tree leaves mainly yield the flavanoid quercetin and nimbosterol as well as a number of limonoids. Quercetin, a polyphenolic flavonoid, is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Key therapeutic benefits:
- Margosa Tree leaves are mentioned in most Ayurvedic formulations for the treatment of skin disorders, because of their detoxifying properties. It also protects against acne-causing bacteria.
- It is also a gastroprotective and effective in healing ulcers.