Neem ( Azadirachta indica ) Products available :

The Neem Tree, Azadirachta indica is native of South East Asia and grows in many countries throughout the world. All biologically active Neem compounds are derived from one parent compound, the tetracyclic triterpenoid tirucallol.

All other products formed are considered successive rearrangement and oxidation products of tirucallol. It is generally accepted that the tetratriterpiniod compound azadirachtin is responsible for majority of biological effects observed in organisms exposed to neem.

Neem products can be used as antifeedant, repellent, bio-pesticide and growth disruptor. We extract Neem seed kernel using Super Critical Carbondioxide under controlled conditions. Tailor made extracts were analyzed by HPLC. Extracts were also examined for biological activity-antifeedant activity and growth regulating activity.

A stabilized composition rich in high antifeedent activity was observed even at 400 times dilution. We can supply stabilized compositions of oil as well as neem seed kernel extract for evaluation.

Test results of Antifeedant activity of Super critical Fractions of Neem Seed Kernels against Spodoptera Iltura Larvae are also available on request.

Super critical extraction of neem :

This process utilises carbon dioxide at critical temperatures and pressures to extract the active ingredients of the neem leaf without the usual high temperatures or harmful chemicals. This result in a far more concentrated extract, which resembles the herb more closely. Our neem products are extracted shortly after harvesting to capture all the healing phytochemicals (the plant's natural ingredients) with superior potency and purity.

Many conventional extract use heat, alcohol or other chemical solvents such as butylene or propylene glycols, acetone and other petroleum derivatives. Super Critical Extracts are superior for many reasons. Beneficial phytochemicals are easily damaged by heat and there is a growing desire for alcohol and solvent free natural extracts. Additionally, many phytochemicals are not soluble in water and alcohol or oil. The supercritical extraction process enables delivery of a broad spectrum of phytochemicals, including both the lipophobic (water soluble) and lipophilic (oil soluble) isolates.

Conventional water and alcohol extracts contain only the lipophobic components. However, it is often the lipophilic components that are the most beneficial. The Super Critical Extraction process results in an herbal extract that is very potent (often more than 100 times stronger than conventional extracts), very pure and broad spectrum, closely resembling the herb in its whole form.

In addition, this extraction process uses only carbon dioxide as a solvent, which once the pressure is let off evaporates completely from the extract - leaving it totally pure and free of any solvent residues. The 'Super Critical Point' is the exact temperature and pressure at which a gas becomes a liquid. In the case of carbon dioxide, this is a relatively low 31deg. Centigrade.

Compressed CO2 at this point has the density of a liquid, but the properties of a gas. As such this aids in faster diffusion of the phytochemicals (almost twice that of other liquids), whilst the liquid-like state helps in better solubility of the phytochemicals. Once the extraction is complete, the pressure is released and the CO2 is harmlessly released.

In reality, the raw botanical is placed into the extractor vessel. Liquid CO2 is heated to its' supercritical state, and pumped into the extractor. The SCO2 mixes with the botanical, and carries the desired extract into a separator tank, where pressure and temperature are controlled. The extract is precipitated in the separator, and CO2 is recycled into the extractor via a condenser.

Overview of Neem as an effective botanical insecticide, miticide and fungicide:

Neem oil is a broad-spectrum botanical insecticide, miticide and fungicide treatment derived from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). The neem tree is a botanical relative of mahogany. Neem tree products are associated with many agricultural and medicinal uses. It is widely relied on for herbal medicine in its native countries and is used in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products as well as pest control in homes and crops.
The neem tree produces a compound called azadirachtin, which protects it from damaging insects. Azadirachtin is a tetranortriterpenoid compound, which influences the hormonal system, feeding activity, reproduction and flying ability of insects. Azadirachtin has low mammalian toxicity; it degrades rapidly in the environment, and has low side effects on non-target species and beneficial insects. Seeds of the neem tree contain the highest concentration of azadirachtin.

Neem seed oil (NSO) is composed of a complex mixture of biologically active compounds. When the natural neem oil is removed from the seeds and treated with alcohol, virtually all of the azadirachtin and related substances separate from the oil itself. The remaining oil - without the azadirachtin - is called Clarified Hydrophobic Extract of Neem Oil. Commercial products containing this extract, do not contain measurable amounts of azadirachtin and contain an emulsifying agent, so are not pure neem oil and may not be suitable for use on certified organic crops. Instead, use supercritically extracted, cold pressed or virgin neem oil.

More than a hundred terpenoid compounds have been identified from different parts of the neem tree. Azadirachtin is the most active of these. Several different kinds of azadirachtin have been isolated, the most abundant of which is Azadirachtin-A. In most traditional preparations of neem as pesticide or medicine, a mixture of neem chemicals are present and provide the active principles.

Mode of Action: Neem has many main modes of action with the primary role of disrupting an insect's metamorphosis. The principle active ingredient, azadirachtin, acts as an insect growth regulator (IGR) preventing exoskeleton development and impeding the molting process. It is most effective on younger stages of an insect’s development than when they have reached their adult form. Best control is achieved when insect populations are light to moderate. There are more than 25 other active compounds found in neem, including meliantriol, vepol, and salannin. It has garlic like odor, and an extremely bitter taste. Its extremely bitter flavor can make many insects stop feeding on the host plant. Neem oil can also suffocate mites, whiteflies, aphids and other types of soft-bodied insects on contact. These multiple modes of action make it unlikely that insects and plant pathogens can develop resistance to neem compounds.

Neem has both contact and systemic action in many plants. When it is applied to soil as a drench, some plant species absorb it through their roots and will translocate it through the plant tissue.

As a fungicide neem is mainly used as a preventative and when disease is just starting to show. It coats the leaf surface, which in turn prevents the germination of the fungal spores. Neem oil and clarified hydrophobic extracts of neem oil is effective against rots, mildews, rusts, scab, leafspot and blights.

Application and Use: Neem is used in both ornamental and food crops. Raw neem seed oil (not extracts of neem oil) can be used mixed with water and an emulsifying agent such as pure castille soap. One general-purpose application rate is to use neem oil at a 1% ratio to water with an emulsifying agent or non-ionic spray adjuvant. Some commercial products containing clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil contain a surfactant that accomplishes this emulsifying process. Use raw neem seed oil at a ratio of 0.5% to 2.0% depending upon the targeted use. Apply it as a foliar spray keeping it agitated during application to keep it well mixed. It must be used within 8 hours after mixing with water. For other commercially prepared products containing neem oil (usually 70% clarified hydrophobic extract of neem) follow the manufacturers label rates and precautions.

Neem has been used with success world over for aphids, cutworms, fungus gnats, shore flies, leaf miners, thrips, powdery mildew and many others. Various products containing neem oil, clarified hydrophobic extract of neem, azidirachtin, and other neem compounds are registered for use in Alaska. Pure neem seed oil containing all of the active liminoid compounds is also readily available, however some of these pure neem compounds are not labeled for pesticide use.

Products containing extracts of neem oil are registered pesticides, tested and approved by the EPA for use as a pesticide. The extracts of neem have had the active compounds found in neem oil removed during the refining process, and these products usually contain alcohol or phenol used in the extraction process. These extracts of neem have an emulsifier added to help it mix readily with water. Pure or "crude" neem seed oil must be mixed with an emulsifying agent to accomplish this. Pure castille soap can be used as an emulsifier when using pure neem seed oil. Warm water should be used when using crude neem oil since it becomes solid at low temperatures.

Neem oil has also been used for insects other than those that feed on plants. Spiders, cockroaches, grain weevils, and other pests of homes and stored food are repelled, or killed by neem oil compounds. Neem has been used for thousands of years to protect grain in native countries. It is often formulated into shampoo, creams, lotions, and even toothpaste. It is useful as a natural remedy for head lice, scabies, and as a mosquito and biting fly repellent.

Ecological effects:

It is non-toxic to humans, birds, earthworms or animals. Being oil it can affect some beneficial insects if it is actually sprayed on them so it is recommended to use it prior to releasing beneficials or to conduct a trial to observe its effects on the organism prior to large-scale use. Once the spray has dried it will not hurt most beneficial organisms, including lady beetles, lacewings, orius bugs, and predatory mites.

Neem is also actively used in cosmetics and skin care products by manufacturers world over. Neem tree is considered to be a pharmacy in itself in India as it is used in curing a number of diseases.

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