Melia azedarach L. – A Paradise tree

Herbal medicine is still the mainstay of about 75–80% of the world population, mainly in the developing countries, for primary health care because of better cultural acceptability, better compatibility with the human body and lesser side effects. Natural products, including plants, animals and minerals have been the basis of treatment of human diseases. The current accepted modern medicine or allopathy has gradually developed over the years by scientific and observational efforts of scientists. However, the basis of its development remains rooted in traditional medicines and therapies. Melia azedarach Linn, commonly known as mahanimba belongs to family Meliaceae. It is large evergreen tree found throughout India and very similar to neem. Traditionally it is used as anthelmintic, antilithic diuretic, emmenagouge, astringent and stomachic. Various scientific studies reported the analgesic, anticancer, antiviral, antimalarial, anti bacterial, anti feedent and anti fertility activity of this plant. So the objective of the present review is to highlight the phytochemical and pharmacological information of this plant.