Skip to content
Review Open access

A comprehensive review of Azadirachta indica (Neem): Exploring proximate composition, bioactive compounds, and prospects for antimicrobial activity

Aug 2026 · Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports · Vol 47, pp. 102730 · 0 citations · 168 references
Medicine

TL;DR

The multifaceted potential of A. indica (neem), a plant that is profoundly rooted in traditional medicine, has a potential for combating several pathogenic microbial communities and the importance of methods of bioactive extraction and biochemical features of neem leaf extracts is emphasized.

Abstract

Neem, or Azadirachta indica A. Juss., is a tree that is both versatile and native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is frequently employed in traditional medicine to treat skin issues and pyrexia, as well as for environmental protection and insect control. This review reports the multifaceted potential of A. indica (neem), a plant that is profoundly rooted in traditional medicine. Neem has high value due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, and in particular, has a potential for combating several pathogenic microbial communities. There is an increasing necessity to identify novel antimicrobial agents in light of the alarming increase in drug-resistant pathogens. Neem stands out as a promising option, showcasing a wide range of therapeutic benefits that go beyond just treating common issues like fever and skin problems. Its bioactive compounds boast impressive medicinal properties, offering anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects that can be incredibly useful for tackling complex health conditions. This review emphasizes the importance of methods of bioactive extraction and biochemical features of neem leaf extracts. There are many bioactive substances such as, triterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolics that contribute to the plant's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In addition, this review discusses the immunomodulatory effects and the influence of various extraction solvents on the yield and composition of bioactive compounds.

Read PDF

Similar papers

Open access Aug 2026

Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. in Traditional and Contemporary Medicine: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Molecular Mechanisms

Variations in chemical composition, determined by geographical origin, and an insufficient number of rigorous clinical data hinder the full medical implementation of Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér.

Kamil Bukowiec, M. Sroka, Agata Pałkiewicz et al. · 0 citations
Review Open access Sep 2026

Phytochemical, Bioactive, and Toxicological Aspects of Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) R.M.King & H.Rob.: A Narrative Review

This review systematically summarizes the botanical characteristics, geographic distribution, phytochemical composition, biological activities, and toxicological effects of A. adenophora, an herb native to Central America that has spread across Asia, Australia, Africa, and other continents.

Miao-Miao Wang, Heng Xu, Zhi-Hui Hao et al. · 0 citations
Conference Open access 2026

A systematic review of Clerodendrum (Lamiaceae): Ethnobotany, bioactive compounds, therapeutic potential and toxicological insights

Clerodendrum , a historically circumscribed diverse genus of over 500 species, now delimited to around 150-190 species on account of molecular-phylogenetic studies, distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, many of which are integral to traditional medicine systems such as ayurveda, traditional Chinese me...

Shelja Sareen, Rashmi Kalia, Gazal Sharma · 0 citations
Review Open access Sep 2026

Ethnopharmacological Insights Into Lodoicea maldivica (J. F. Gmel.) Pers: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Potential

This review aims to systematically examine the current scientific understanding on sea coconut, elucidating its medicinal value and identifying future research directions to support its therapeutic development, by integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific insights.

Ahequeli Gemingnuer, Rui Yin, Yan Liu et al. · 0 citations
Review Open access 2026

Comparative Review of the Antimicrobial Potential of Azadirachta Indica and Gliricidia Sepium

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a major public health concern, creating an increasing need for alternative sources of antimicrobial agents. Medicinal plants represent an important source of structurally diverse bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial and antifungal properties. Azadirachta indica (neem)...

Nitha Hussain, M.Madhuranthagan, NeelaveniThangavelk Thangavel et al. · 0 citations
Review Open access Aug 2026

Aconitum tanguticum (Maxim.) Stapf.: a review of its traditional uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological effects

This review systematically summarizes the multi-target pharmacological mechanisms of Aconitum tanguticum (Maxim.) Stapf, highlights its therapeutic potential in treating inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular diseases, and acute lung injury, and provides a theoretical basis for the integration of this ethnic medici...

Jian Wang, Xiu-Jing Jin, Jing-Long Wang et al. · 0 citations

We use cookies to run the site and, with your consent, for analytics and to show ads. See our Cookie Policy.