Neem: Species of plant

It is native to India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Pakistan. It grows in tropical and semi-tropical regions. It was also the state tree of Hyderabad Deccan.

Neem is a fast-growing tree in India that can reach up to 15–20 m (about 50–65 feet) tall, and sometimes even to 35–40 m (115–131 feet). It is evergreen. It is found in some major parts of Tamil nadu like tuticorin,tirunelveli ,etc.

Products made from neem have been used in India for over two millennia for their medicinal properties. They are said to be antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative. Neem products are also used in selectively controlling pests in plants. Neem is considered a part of Ayurvedic medicine.

Neem is also known as the' village pharmacy'. All parts of neem are used for preparing many different medicines, especially for skin disease.

• A compound from the Neem tree can be used as a spermicide .
• Neem oil is used for preparing cosmetics (soap and shampoo, ozone as well as lotions and others), and is useful for skin care such as acne treatment. Neem oil has been used effectively as a mosquito repellent.
• Neem is useful for damaging over 500 types of insects, mites, ticks, and nematodes, by changing the way they grow and act. Neem does not normally kill pests right away, rather it slows their growth and drives them away. As neem products are cheap and not poisonous to animals and friendly insects, they are good for pest control
• In the UK, plant protection products that contain azadirachtin, the active ingredient of neem oil, are illegal.