Biological Properties of a Methanolic Extract of Neem Oil, A Natural Oil from the Seeds of the Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica var: A. Juss)

This chapter provides an account of the biological properties of the methanolic extracts of neem oil. Recent scientific literature reports on the ability of neem extracts to combat fungal infections and inflammation, as well as viral and bacterial infections. Antitumor and antiproliferative activities have also been ascribed to extracts of A. indica. Neem tree extracts seem also to exert a negative control on type 2 diabetes. Neem oil contains a large number of organic compounds, including terpenoids, limonoids, oily sulfur compounds, unsaturated fatty acids, and azadirachtin, which is possibly the best-known neem product. Tests conducted by preparing an azadirachtin-free methanolic extract (MEX) of the whole neem oil showed biological activities on normal and tumor cells. MEX induces cell death by apoptosis, which is shown by the assessment of several apoptotic markers subsequent to its administration. MEX also alters the dielectric properties of the membrane, thus inducing extensive damage. In conclusion, the cytotoxicity of MEX is attributable to the drastic structural alterations of the plasma membrane that involve destruction of the membrane lipids and consequent loss of function. A potential usage of this neem product for the control of proliferative diseases is suggested. © 2011 Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved..