Description

Neem tree is said to be indigenous to the Indian subcontinent which means the countries of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The Neem tree grows up to the height of around 15 to 20 metres and is well known to be a fast grower. It is a tropical evergreen tree which can resist the harsh conditions of high temperatures and dryness but does not survive frosty climates. The uses of the various parts of the Neem tree as medicines and insecticide has been recorded in the ancient Indian scriptures called the ‘Vedas’. In the Indian subcontinent it has been used by local communities as a traditional medicine and insect repellent for over 2000 years.

The amount of essential oils extracted from the seed or the kernel of the Neem tree varies widely from 25 to 45 %. The methods by which the oils are extracted from the seeds also affect the purity or the quality of the oil. Although the method of using a solvent for extraction is used it does not completely extract the contents of the seeds and also contains many impurities that distort the fragrance .