Abstract

Kaushal Kanwer Shekhawat*, DV Rao and Amla Batra

Melia azedarach Linn. (Family: Meliaceae) is a shrub or small evergreen, medium-sized deciduous tree. It grows in temperate and tropical countries like India, China, and Japan. The plant requires a wide range of soil, acid to alkaline and it needs moderate moisture level. It is also known as pride of India and Persian lilac having a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. It is one kind of medicine in the Ayurvedic system. This plant is considered as a multipurpose tree because of its multidirectional and widespread uses in medicine, therapeutics and other economic implications. This paper describes the plant’s medicinal aspects and chemical constituents in its different parts. This paper also provides brief information of plant bioprospecting and its launched market products.