Authentication of Herbal Medicine Neem (azadirachta Indica A.juss.) by Using Taxonomic and Pharmacognostic Techniques

The quality assurance of Neem (Azadirachta indica A.Juss.), a traditional herbal drug of global importance used for the treatment of different ailments, was studied. At global, regional, national and local levels, the end users of this drug face the problem of adulteration. Two different species are commercially marketed in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent under the same trade name of Neem. One is Azadirachta indica and the other is Melia azedarach L., both belonging to Meliaceae. In this study, a commercially available drug sample of Neem was authenticated by using basic and advanced Taxonomic and pharmacognostic analysis. Authentication, quality and standardization of this drug were achieved using morphology, organoleptography, pharmacogonistic markers, UV and IR analyses, SEM of pollen and anatomical investigations. This study contributes towards the global recognition and international acceptance of Neem as an herbal drug.