Medicinal properties of fractionated acetone/water neem [Azadirachta indica] leaf extract from Nigeria: a review.
The global scenario is now supporting the development of modern drugs from less toxic plant products with proven medicinal properties. Each part of neem plant [Azadirachta indica A. Juss] reportedly have various medicinal properties and has been in use in many continents for centuries. Recently, a fractionated neem-leaf extract known as IRAB with reported activities against Malaria, HIV/AIDS and cancer has been developed into a drug and currently marketed in Nigeria as IRACAP. This paper reviews the medicinal properties, clinical studies and safety concerns of this fractionated acetone-water neem leaves extract as a footstep to further studies both on the extract and/or its chemical constituents.
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria. ugobond@yahoo.com
Ugochukwu B
UB
Anyaehie
D000096:Acetone / Q000737:chemistry; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D031601:Azadirachta; D005591:Chemical Fractionation; D006801:Humans; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D009549:Nigeria; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000962:Antimalarials; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water; D000096:Acetone