Azadirachta Indica Information-Uses and Benefits

Azadirachta indica is widely known as neem, at tree which is found in the tropics and subtropics. It has long history in the Indian ayurveda. It had been used for various purposes like urban regreening, fuel wood production, agro forestry and bio pesticide. It is the member of meliaceae family. It is also known as margosa, nim, limba, nimba and Indian lilac.

Azadirachta IndicaNeem is a medium sized tree which has a short and straight bole. The height of the tree varies from15-30 metres with a diameter of ranging from 30-90 cm. It is characterized by penetrating lateral root system which extends up to 15 m in search of water. It has moderately fissured, gray and thick outer bark and reddish brown inner bark. It is deciduous and evergreen tree depending upon the climate. Sometimes leafless occur but very rarely. It is a prolific fruit producer starting 3-5 years of age and they become fully productive gradually.

Azadirachta IndicaNeem is good at adapting to various types of climates & soil conditions. The normal elevation of the ground where these trees are found is about 700 m. These trees can grow up to 1500 m of elevation of the ground. Neem can tolerate extreme temperatures. The normal range of the temperature where they are found is 9 to 37 degree Celsius. These trees are highly drought tolerant. They prefer permeable, deep and sandy soil but can be grown on other soil conditions too. These trees can be found in India Myanmar, Pakistan and other south eastern Asian countries. They are usually found in the tropic and sub tropic climates.

Azadirachta IndicaNeem is used for variety of purposes. They play a vital role in urban and rural landscapes for agro forestry and urban forestry. They are used as shade trees and in the boundary rows. It produces dense wood similar to mahogany and is used in wood products. The wood is durable and hard and resistant fungi and insects. It is also used for the production of non timber products. Tanin produced by the bark of the tree and the fiber can be used to make rope. The pulp of the tree is used to make glue. The leaves of the tree are used repel insects and prevent food loss. Many bioactive are found in the leaves and tissues of the tree. Neem oil is produced from it and is used as fuel in lamps.

Asparagus Racemosus Information-Uses and Benifits

Asparagus Racemosus is an Ayurvedic rejuvenative tonic for female. It belongs to Liliaceae family and is also known as Shatamuli and Shatwari, it’s botanical name is Asparagus Racemosus. Shatwari means who has a hundred of husbands. It is used for sexual infertility and debility in both sexes. It can also be used for treating menopausal symptoms and to increase lactation. It is found in the forests of Northern India which are around 8000 feet high.

Asparagus RacemosusChemical composition and key active constituents

It contains steroidal saponins which are also called shatavarins 1-4. Shatwari 1 is the main glycoside which has 3 glucose & rhamnose moiteis attached to sarsasepogenin. Shatwari 4 on the other hand has proteins, alkaloids, tannin, and starch. It also has Isoflavones which includes 8 methoxy 5,6,4 trihydroxyisoflavone 7-0-beta D glucopyranoside. It contains asparagamine, a polycyclic alkaloid and Racemosol which is a cyclic hydrocarbon. The roots contain polysaccharides.

Asparagus RacemosusThe shatwari plant has Immunostimulant properties. It helps in preventing post operative adhesions. In a study done on mice it was found that Asparagus racemosus has a protective effect against the myleosupressions which is induced by single or multiple doses of cyclophosphamide. The study found that it has almost the same activity as lithium and glucan. The galactogogue activity is also found in asparagus racemosus. Saponin mixture from the extaract of Shatavari has uterine blocking activity which is spontaneous and induced by hormones like oxytocine and acetylcholine. It can be used during pregnancy for threatened abortion.

Asparagus RacemosusIt is used for increasing the production of breast milk after birth of a baby. It can also be used as an immunomodulator. Shatavari is also considered to have aphrodisiac property which can increase the sex drive in people. It is used in the treatment of diarrhea as it has anti diarrheal properties. It is considered to be good for health as it has antioxidants and antibacterial properties. It is used as a remedy for mucilaginous, refrigerant, diuretic, nutritive tonic, demulcent, antispasmodic, adaptogen, anti dysenteric, anti oxtocic and cytoprotective.

Asparagus RacemosusIt can be used in the form of powder, ghee, oil and decoction. For diseases like cancer you can one or more ounces every day. The formula for preparing the mixture is 1:2 root extract in about 25 % alcohol. You can take about 30-60 ml dose every week.