Multifuncionalidade das Propriedades da Azadirachta indica e seus benefícios ao ambiente e a saúde humana

Abstract

Neem is a plant of Asian origin, belonging to the Meliaceae family, native to Burma and the arid regions of India (SAXENA, 1983). Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) can also be found under the names of neen, margosa, nime, Indian lila, or even by Melia azadirachta L., Melia indica (A. Juss.) Brandis and Antelaea azadirachta (L.) adelb. (KOUL et al., 1990). It has been used for centuries in India as a medicinal plant, shade plant and more recently as an insecticide, in wood production and cosmetics. According to MARTINEZ (2002), it has been known for 5,000 years and acts against more than 430 species of pests that occur in different countries, causing multiple effects, such as: repellency, interruption of development and ecdysis, delay in development, reduction in fertility and fecundity, and several other alterations in the behavior and physiology of insects that can lead to their death.