In India -- where it has been used for more than 4,000 years -- the neem tree has such a variety of medical applications that it is sometimes referred to as the village pharmacy. Now modern research is proving what has been long known by Ayurvedic medicine practitioners: neem is one of the most effective plant medicines in the world. An extremely powerful blood purifying agent and detoxicant, neem is also effective in the treatment of fever, malaria, skin diseases, dental problems, diabetes, tumors, arthritis, and jaundice. It has gained particular attention from scientists seeking a cure for AIDS, not only for its antiviral properties, but also because it boosts the immune system on all levels without destroying beneficial bacteria, unlike synthetic antibiotics.
In addition to its numerous uses as a healing agent, neem has been receiving much attention for the ecological benefits it provides. For centuries Indians have been mixing neem leaves with stored grains to prevent insect infestation. But neem is not simply a natural alternative to pesticides; increasingly it is being used to reverse desertification and to reduce erosion and deforestation, making it an important weapon in the fight against global warming. Neem's many practical applications make it of enormous interest to anyone concerned about health and ecology.  Included are recipes and practical tips that let you enjoy the many benefits of this miraculous plant.

* A comprehensive look at the many therapeutic and ecological uses of neem.
* Used in India for over 4,000 years, neem is one of the most popular therapeutic plants in the Indian pharmacopoeia.
* Effective in the treatment of fever, malaria, skin diseases, dental problems, diabetes, arthritis, and jaundice.
* A natural pesticide hailed by many for its diverse ecological benefits.

The Neem Tree: Sources of Unique Natural Products for Integrated Pest Management, and Medicinal, Industrial and Other Purposes by Heinrich Schmutterer Paperback (1995)

A comprehensive, illustated (20 color plates) treatment of the tropical neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and its unique substances.   The extracts from this tree have an enormously broad range of applications.   The main substance, azadirachtin -- a tetranortriterpenoid -- influences the hormone system of insects, exerting a pesticidal effect.    Feeding activity, reproduction, and flying ability of insects are also affected.   It is biologically degradable and can be easily extracted from the seeds.  From Book News, Inc., 1995
This book provides comprehensive information about the fascinating tropical Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and its unique biologically active ingredients.   It is of main interest to scientists concerned with the development of biological pesticides or the uses of plant metabolites for the production of pharmacenticals. The publisher, John Wiley & Sons