STUDY OF CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NIMBA STEM BARK FOR REMEDIAL PURPOSE

Abstract

This is one of the important medicinal plants from ancient times. Rural population use its tender branches as tooth brush
even today. The tree trunk is used as lumber to make furniture, leaves, bark, resin (gum), flowers, and seeds are used for
medicinal purpose. The Neem bark contains mimbin (0.04%), mimbinin (0.01%), mimbidin (0.04%), mim bosterol
(0.03%), essential oil (0.02%) tannin (6.0) and a bitter principle, margosine. Various parameters were analysed in the
present study i.e.moisture content, water soluble extractive value, alcohol soluble extractive value, total ash, pH,
phytochemical tests i.e. alkaloid, tannin, resin, saponin, flavonoids, carbohydrate, protein and HPTLCtest. The results of
study showed that moisture content and total ash value were found 6.76 g. and 7.641 g. respectively. The value of acid
insoluble ash and water soluble ash were found 16.18% and 14.156 % respectively. The percentage of alcohol soluble
extractive value and water soluble extractive values were found 14.85 % and 11.416 % respectively. It was observed that
the phytochemical parameters i.e. saponin, tanin, carbohydrate were also present in the samples. The study revealed that
the drug was authentic and genuine. The studied parameters can be used as diagnostic tools for identification of drug.
Neem leaves should be utilized as remedial i.e. antiseptic and anti-microbial purpose. The neem may be used as an interal
medicine to lower blood glucose level, treat peptic ulcers and kill intestinal parasites.