The Legend of the Condor Heroes - Episode 01 | Jin Yong's Wuxia Novel

Kung Fu Chefs

EXO Luhan & Kris Comeback

EXO Luhan & Kris have signed back with their former agency, SM Entertainment. The two K-pop stars’s comeback has been confirmed, but their return as EXO members is still far from happening. The agency has announced that Luhan and Kris will be managed as solo artists, as both Chinese talents are now gearing up to pursue their respective acting and recording careers outside the phenomenal boy group.

EXO Luhan & Kris legal battle ends in settlement

According to Yibada, EXO members Luhan and Kris spent two long years addressing their long-standing conflict with SME. Both artists’s relationships with their agency were plagued with lawsuits, counter suits, and legal mediations before a settlement was reached.

It can be recalled that Kris Wu and Luhan left EXO and SM Entertainment in April 2014 and October 2014, respectively. Both stars filed law suits shortly after their departures, citing unjust terms, lack of support, and discrimination as reasons.

They went back to China and pursued their own careers without the consent of SME. The agency then sued both artists for violating the terms of their existing contracts, which further contributed to their two-year legal battle against the agency.

Just last week, both Kris’s and Luhan’s legal teams have announced that the Korean agency has decided to uphold its contracts with the two Chinese artists. Both Kris and Luhan have agreed to sign with SME once again, with new agreements binding them until 2022.

The two former EXO members are currently allowed to work in and out China and Korea. They are set to pursue their solo careers as SME talents. Hence, the agency has announced that the idea of Kris and Luhan coming back to EXO is no longer possible.

What are your thoughts on the two stars’s current arrangement with SM Entertainment? Do you think it’s best not to have them reunite with their former band mates? Share your thoughts with us, and stay tuned for more EXO Luhan & Kris news and updates!

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortificationsmade of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empiresagainst the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe. Several walls were being built as early as the 7th century BCE; these, later joined together and made bigger and stronger, are now collectively referred to as the Great Wall. Especially famous is the wall built 220–206 BCE by Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Little of that wall remains. Since then, the Great Wall has on and off been rebuilt, maintained, and enhanced; the majority of the existing wall is from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
Other purposes of the Great Wall have includedborder controls, allowing the imposition of duties on goods transported along the Silk Road, regulation or encouragement of trade and the control of immigration and emigration. Furthermore, the defensive characteristics of the Great Wall were enhanced by the construction of watch towers, troop barracks, garrison stations, signaling capabilities through the means of smoke or fire, and the fact that the path of the Great Wall also served as a transportation corridor.
The Great Wall stretches from Dandong in the east to Lop Lake in the west, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia. A comprehensive archaeological survey, using advanced technologies, has concluded that the Ming walls measure 8,850 km (5,500 mi). This is made up of 6,259 km (3,889 mi) sections of actual wall, 359 km (223 mi) of trenches and 2,232 km (1,387 mi) of natural defensive barriers such as hills and rivers. Another archaeological survey found that the entire wall with all of its branches measure out to be 21,196 km (13,171 mi).

Kryptos

On November 3, 1990, a new sculpture was dedicated on the grounds of the CIA in Langley, Virginia. The sculpture was composed of four encrypted messages and entitles “Kryptos” by its creator, Jim Sanborn. In the 25 years since its dedication, three of these encrypted messages have been deciphered, but the fourth remains a mystery. Now known as one of the most famous unsolved codes in the world, the “Kryptos” is a fascinating lure for both amateur and professional cryptanalysts who, despite several clues from the sculptor, have been unable to crack the code.

The Loch Ness Monster

This is another world wide famous unsolved mystery of the world. On December 6, 1933, the Daily Express published a photo of a “monster” that was apparently lurking in Scotland’s Loch Ness. Since that time there have been police investigations, scientific studies, calls of a hoax and countless reported sightings of a “creature” swimming within the dark waters of the Loch. Described as having a long serpentine neck, “Nessie” (as she is affectionately known by locals) is theorized to be the last in a long line of surviving plesiosaurs, but no solid evidence to verify this has ever been uncovered.

Bermuda Triangle

The Bermuda Triangle is one of the great unsolved mysteries of the world, a section of ocean in the western North Atlantic where ships and aircrafts have disappeared under deeply suspicious circumstances. Included in this list is the infamous “Flight 19”, a group of 5 bombers who went on a routine training exercise in 1945 and never returned, as well as the search and rescue plane that went looking for them the same day. There is also the case of the USSCyclops, a US Navy boat that disappeared in 1918 with all 309 crew on board as well as theConnemara IV, a pleasure yacht, found adrift in 1955 with all the crew missing.

The Azalea

Barren grounds with withering plant life can be transformed into a decorative expanse composed of a perfect balance of plants, trees and flowers laid out in rich color schemes that command the senses.

With imaginative designing, illusions of tropical paradises, mystical lands or even heaven itself can be created and experienced by all who enter the landscaped areas. A top priority for achieving this phenomenon is the selection of plant life. 

Azaleas are flowers that grow on bushes belonging to the class of plants called rhododendrons, which consist of a variety of trees and shrubs. Azalea bushes are smaller in size than other plants in this class and azalea flowers bloom in an assortment of colors.

There’s the yellow azalea, the white azalea and azalea flowers of other colors such asorange, pink, purple and red.

 Scientific Name

There are two types of rhododendrons:

• Evergreens, which stay green all year, are called Rhododendron Tsutsusi
• The deciduous class, that lose their leaves in the fall and lay dormant in the winter, are called Rhododendron Pentanthera.

Azaleas are in the deciduous class.

 Geographic Origin

The word “azalea” is derived from the Greek word “azaleos” meaning “dry”. Besides being the name of the flower, it’s also a female name that has been used in India, Arabia, Greece and in English-speaking countries.

An interesting fact is when azaleas are received, there’s a phrase that’s related to them that the giver may be saying to the receiver: “Take care of yourself for me”.

Azalea Nativity

Azaleas come from Japan and China, and are now common in the United States. However, there’s a genetic similarity between all azaleas no matter where there habitats may be and they’ve successfully evolved over time sustaining their uniqueness while the world around them has continually changed.

 Description and Characteristics

There are numerous varieties of azalea plants: 

• the azalea formosa (Formosa Azalea), blooms twice a year in the spring and fall with 3-inch lavender blossoms that eventually turn a deep pink or a magenta hue;
• the azalea bonsai is a tree or shrub that’s grown in a pot and it requires shade and rainwater for optimal growth;
• the easter morn azalea grows to approximately four feet tall and spreads about five feet wide with 2-inch lavender flowers, and blooms in spring;
• The shrub of the dwarf azalea can grow 2 – 3 feet high displaying crimson flowers in early spring and lively red foliage during the winter;
• wild azalea is a deciduous shrub which grows in the woods and flat grasslands between March and May. It attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds;
• the medium and larger bushes of the encore azaleas come in a variety of colors and sizes, and are perfectly suited for hedges that separate or define the lines of properties;
• azalea tenino are low-maintenance azalea bushes that grow approximately 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide. The flowers are 3 inches wide and they bloom between mid- to late-spring in colors of purple and red;
• for a vibrant lawn or yard, planting and nurturing a red azalea bush will add scenic beauty to any surrounding. With little maintenance, this plant will display an abundance of rich, luxurious color year after year.

 Meaning

Azaleas symbolize temperance, passion, and it’s the Chinese symbol of womanhood and fragility.

 Cultivation and Care

Azaleas must be well watered and they require at least four hours a day of direct sunlight, preferably in the early part of the day to avoid the direct rays of the midday sun that can burn the leaves. If there’s concern over how not to prune azaleas and when to prune azaleas, it’s highly advised not to prune azaleas while they’re blooming.

Pruning should be done after the flowers have bloomed, perhaps in the mid-winter when the bush is dormant. Azaleas bloom between March and August and some gardeners advise to prune every one or two years. When pruning azaleas, take care not to cut azalea bushesdown more than one-third the size of the entire plant and strive to cut in a circular pattern.

However, since there’s the possibility of cutting off the next year’s blooms and ending up with bushes that don’t bloom for the next couple of years, some say it’s best not to prune an existing bush, insisting that healthy bushes will manage well enough on their own. 

The best setting for azaleas is in moderate climates in soil that’s well drained and slightly acidic with a pH factor of 5.5. Provisions should be made to protect azaleas from the harmful effects of cold and wind.

Azaleas should be planted in the spring or fall. While they require frequent watering, gardeners should understand the difference between moist soil and water-logged soil. Moist soil is needed when growing azalea but be sure that the soil is drained of water, NOT water-logged.

If the soil is soggy with water, the roots will drown and the bush will be destroyed.The proper care of azaleas includes spreading a layer of compost under the entire width of the plant. Compost is a mixture of decomposing vegetable matter used for fertilizing azaleas.

Then put a layer of mulch, which could be dried leaves and pine needles, on top of the compost; it should be approximately two inches high and kept about an inch away from the trunk. The pine needles will help to maintain the acidic level in the soil.

 Diseases and Pests

Although azaleas are generally healthy, robust plants, they have a potential for attracting pests and contracting disease. Indoor and outdoor azaleas are prone to fungal infections with the most notable of azalea diseases being leaf gall that happens to the leaves, and root rot that happens in the soil.

Each of these cases can be treated with fertilizers and fungicides. In many cases, pruning or hand-picking the affected leaves from the bushes can also work. Caterpillars, bugs, flies and weevils can be controlled with the limited use of pesticides. 

Planting and Transplanting Azaleas

The gardener who decides to grow azaleas using seeds will need considerable patience as, depending on the type of azalea bush, it takes anywhere from 2 – 10 years for the first bloom to appear. Instead, the most common way for planting azaleas is to purchase existing bushes from nurseries and eventually transplant them into gardens and yards. Planting and transplanting azaleas should be done in early spring or early fall and the results are better when transplanting smaller bushes rather than larger ones.

 Uses

Because of their small size and assortment of colors, azaleas make superb house plants. Many wives and mothers have been the recipients of luxurious azalea potted plants as gifts on holidays such as Easter and Mother’s Day. 

However, they’re also wonderful as ornamental plants adding color and beauty to outdoor lawns, providing excitement with the warm colors of red, yellow, white and orange flowers, and relaxation through the cooler colors of the purple flowers and the green shrubbery. 

Conclusion

At first glance, the advice and information given when researching and studying about the care of azaleas may appear to be contradictory. For instance, some say that azaleas require a certain amount of direct sunlight while others insist that these bushes thrive better in partially shaded areas.

Also, to prune or not to prune remains to be seen. However, treatment and care differs for the many varieties of this plant. As with most situations, experience is the best teacher.

After doing a well-rounded search for information and sorting out the common basics for cultivating specific azalea plants and bushes, then all grey areas can be cleared up by observing the results while caring for these bushes. A lot can be learned from success and failure and all things new are a challenge, so take a deep breath and jump in!

Amaranth

collectively known as amaranth,^[1] is a cosmopolitan genus of annual or short-lived perennial plants. Some amaranth species are cultivated as leaf vegetables, pseudocereals, and ornamental plants. Most of the species from Amaranthus are summer annual weeds and are commonly referred to as pigweed.^[2] Catkin-like cymes of densely packed flowers grow in summer or autumn.^[3] Approximately 60 species are recognized, with inflorescences and foliage ranging from purple and red to green or gold. Members of this genus share many characteristics and uses with members of the closely related genus Celosia.

"Amaranth" derives from Greek ἀμάραντος^[4] (amárantos), "unfading," with the Greek word for "flower," ἄνθος (ánthos), factoring into the word's development as amaranth. The more accurate amarant is an archaic variant.

Amaranthus shows a wide variety of morphological diversity among and even within certain species. Although the family (Amaranthaceae) is distinctive, the genus has few distinguishing characters among the 70 species included.^[5] This complicates taxonomy and Amaranthus has generally been considered among systematists as a "difficult" genus.^[6]

Formerly, Sauer (1955) classified the genus into two subgenera, differentiating only between monoecious and dioecious species: Acnida (L.) Aellen ex K.R. Robertson and Amaranthus.^[6] Although this classification was widely accepted, further infrageneric classification was (and still is) needed to differentiate this widely diverse group.

Currently, Amaranthus includes three recognized subgenera and 70 species, although species numbers are questionable due to hybridization and species concepts.^[7] Infrageneric classification focuses on inflorescence, flower characters and whether a species is monoecious/dioecious, as in the Sauer (1955) suggested classification.^[5] A modified infrageneric classification of Amaranthus was published by Mosyakin & Robertson (1996) and includes three subgenera: Acnida, Amaranthus, and Albersia. The taxonomy is further differentiated by sections within each of the subgenera.

Amaryllis

The stunning amaryllis belladonna is known as Naked Lady in the US. The smooth-textured foliage grows in early summer then dies back.

In August or September the flower stalks come up without foliage, producing 2 to 12 fragrant, funnel-shaped, pale pink or sometimes purple or white blooms on a solid 24 to 36 inch (60-90 cm) stem. These flowers last a long time in the garden, as well as cut flowers.

 Scientific Name

Amaryllis -Family: Amaryllidaceae There are two plants commonly referred to as amaryllis. They are both from the Amaryllidaceae family.

Amaryllis - Amaryllis belladonna

There are only two species in the genus amaryllis, amaryllis paradisicola discovered in 1998 which is not in general cultivation and the more familiar amaryllis belladonna.

 Geographic Origin

Amaryllis belladonna originally comes from South Africa.

 Description and Characteristics

Butterfly Amaryllis - Hippeastrum Papilio
A huge favorite is the butterfly amaryllis, looking like beautiful butterflies have landed on the 18” flower stalks. Their petals are white tinged with green and contrasting maroon stripes.

Butterfly amaryllis can be grown in Zones 3 through 10, but you must dig them up, or “lift” them before freeze, if you live in Zones 3 through 7. They like partial shade to full sun, and will bloom in 8 to 10 weeks after you’ve planted them.

Ragtime Amaryllis
These are show-stopping big, bold red or orange amaryllis, sometimes they're white or near white. They grow 18 to 24 inches tall. Each bulb produces 4 to 6 flowers. Plant bulbs 6 to 9 inches (15-22 cm) apart in partial shade to full sun. They will flower in 6 to 8 weeks.

Evergreen Amaryllis
Fabulous chartreuse-green flowers that grow on 24 inch stems. In terms of planting and care, the same applies to this beauty as the general care, above, of amaryllis.

Hardy Garden Amaryllis
No matter which varieties of amaryllis you choose, you will discover that they are a hardy flower, adding character and beauty both outside and inside the home.

 Meaning

Amaryllis, meaning ‘sparkling,’ was a beautiful shepherdess in Greek mythology. She fell in love with the shepherd Alteo. But he ignored her, only desiring to find a flower that never before existed. 

For thirty nights Amaryllis came to Alteo’s door and pierced her heart with golden arrows. Alteo didn’t open the door until the thirtieth night, where he discovered a crimson flower, that grew from the blood of Amaryllis’ heart. Because of this story, the amaryllis symbolizes determination and beauty.

 Cultivation and Care

Planting Amaryllis:

• The Amaryllis belladonna does well in US zones 7a to 10b, in full sun.
• Plant the large amaryllis bulbs about 9 to 12 inches (22-30) apart in mildly acidic soil (6.1 to 6.5 pH), the tip of the bulb pointing up.
• Do not over water.
• Although planting bulbs will produce flowers sooner, you can propagate the flower from the amaryllis seeds. As the seeds do not store well, sew them soon after collecting them.
• They may be planted year-round.
• You may also grow this amaryllis plant indoors.

Amaryllis - Hippeastrum

The second flower called amaryllis is the genus hippeastrum. It grows 4 to 6 large flowers on a hollow 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) stem. The foliage is smooth-textured and glossy, blue-green in color. It’s often known as the Christmas flower as it can be forced to bloom indoors at a precise time. South America is its natural habitat. 

Amaryllis is delightful in your garden with early blossoms in late winter through early spring. Amaryllis hippeastrum has many different breath-taking flowers found in an increasing range of colors and formation as growers strive to develop ever-more amazing blooms.

Planting Amaryllis - Hippeastrum

• Amaryllis, hippeastrum can be planted outdoors in US zones 8a to 10b, in full sun.
• Plant the bulbs about 6 to 12 inches (15-30) apart, depending on the individual bulb, in acidic soil (5.6 to 6.0 pH).
• Amaryllis care requires that the bulbs be in well-drained soil.
• Before planting place the roots of the bulb in lukewarm water for a few hours.
• Plant the bulb to its neck.
• Bulbs will flower in 7-10 weeks.
• When the plant stops flowering, cut the stem to the top of the bulb, it will flower again.
• When the leaves begin to yellow in early fall, cut them to 2 inches from the top of the bulb, remove from the soil, clean and place in a 40 to 50 degree Fahrenheit dark place for at least 6 weeks.
• You may replant them after 6 weeks. They will flower again in 8 weeks.
• Planting bulbs will produce flowers sooner, but you can grow this flower from seeds. Let the seed heads dry on the plant, then collect the seeds.
• You can grow amaryllis without soil, in a container filled with stones and water. Keep the water just below the roots, or the roots will rot.
• Pests, insects and diseases that affect amaryllis.
• Caterpillars in June and July will eat all the leaves in 4 or 5 days.
• Aphids, mealy bugs and scale insects suck the sap off the leaf.
• Thrips suck the juice from the leaves, stalks and flowers.
• Mites suck the sap from beneath the surface of the plant.
• Diseases are not usually a serious problem with amaryllis. The primary disease is fire or red spot, red-blotch, or leaf spot which causes infestation of the fungus Stagonospora curtisii. Avoid high humidity or overwatering.
• "Mosaic" is a viral disease of amaryllis. There is no known control. Infected plants need to be culled.

Growing Amaryllis in an Indoor Grow Kit

Amaryllis prefer a sandy-loam mix in the soil when grown in a container. The plant needs to go through a dormant period in the late summer, early fall before potting. You may remove off-shoots and repot them separately. 

Amaryllis grown in a container may be transplanted outside when danger of frost has passed.

 Diseases and Pests

Belladonna meaning “beautiful lady,” is a designation that lets us know this is a poisonous plant. Both amaryllis belladonna and hippeastrum are poisonous, which is good if you’re a gardener as rodents and deer stay away from them.

 Uses

Amaryllis is attractive to butterflies, birds and bees, with fragrant flowers that are long lasting as cut flowers.

Anemone Flowers

The Anemone genus is part of the Ranunculaceae(buttercup) family. There are a little over 120 species of anemones in a wide range of colors. 

Anemones are popular in gardens as individual species flower in the spring, summer, or fall, providing continual color.

 Geographic Origin

Adonis was adapted by the ancient Greeks from earlier religions who revered the god as a symbol of rebirth, planting quick-growing (and quick-dying) plants in his honor. 

In the Greek version of his mythology Adonis was gored by a wild boar while on a hunt and died in the arms of his lover, Aphrodite. The goddess dripped nectar onto his blood from which sprang the first anemone.

 Description and Characteristics

There are many species of anemone, providing gardeners with a single plant type that can be grown in a variety of colors and seasons under similar soil and light conditions. Traits can vary widely with several types of roots, stem lengths, colors, and groupings. All anemones have basal leaves, are bisexual, and have nectaries. Many wild anemone species do not have pedals.

Gardeners mainly deal with these six species, each of which has several varieties:

Canada Anemone (anemone canadensis) - Also called the roundhead anemone, crowfoot, or meadow anemone, this flower grows in meadows and near bodies of water throughout North America. It was used by Native Americans as both an astringent and a salve for wounds. These anemones have sharp-toothed leaves and bright white pedals. They bloom throughout the summer.

Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis japonica) - Originating in central China, this flower was brought over to Japan hundreds of years ago. Grown from root cuttings, the stem can reach as high as four feet, topped by a white, pink, or purple flower. These bloom in the fall.

Grape-leaved Anemone (Anemone vitifolia and Anemone tomentosa) - Both vitifolia and tomentosa are labeled as "grape-leaved," but tomentosa can withstand colder climates and its varieties tend to have smaller flowers.

Stems of these plant can reach six feet in height with leaves that resemble those on a grape vine. Most varieties have flowers that come in pairs, appearing in late summer or early fall. They are closely related to the Japanese anemone and are sometimes grouped under the same general label.

Blue Anemone Flower (Anemone coronaria) - Sometimes called a "blue poppy" anemone because it resembles that flower, it's popular with gardeners because it's easier to grow than actual poppies. Three to five flowers spring from one bulb, appearing anywhere from mid-spring to early summer.

Narcissus Head Anemone (Anemone narcissiflora) - At least a dozen varieties fall under this species. They are often found growing in the wild in mountainous and northern climates throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Each stem can grow two to eight flowers. All Narcissus head varieties bloom in late spring.

 Meaning

The name "anemone" means "daughter of the wind." The name was chosen to show that the winds that blow open the flower also blow away its dead petals. Over time it supplanted other plants to become the central symbol of Adonis.

Some believe the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem was built over one of these shrines, with writings from the period describing a cave with an anemone grove on the site before the church's construction.

 Cultivation and Care

How you start an anemone will depend on the type of root it has:

Tuberous - Separate the tubers in the summer. Tubers should be planted about two inches deep and four to six inches from the nearest bulb.
Fibrous - Separate in spring or fall and keep the plant potted for at least a year.
Rhyzomatous - Separate the rhyzomes in the spring. Rhyzomous flowers can be forced to bloom in winter if grown indoors.

Seeds should be started in containers placed in a cold frame. All anemones should be planted in the fall in moderate climates, or can be started in the spring in northern climates.

Anemone flowers thrive in partial shade. They prefer loamy, moist, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Additional mulching can help anemones grow in colder areas, and they can withstand the less intense direct sunlight.

 Diseases and Pests

Cutworms can be a major problem with anemones: The worms will attack the stems first and new larvae will eat into roots, making their presence less noticeable than other pests. Several species may be present in your area, extending the breeding season of these worms throughout the year. 

Cutworms can be blocked from flowers by placing an aluminum foil collar around the stem buried an inch or so into the ground. A residual insecticide will also keep worms off of anemones.

Rust is possible with anemones, but because these flowers like growing in well-drained areas the risk is reduced. If rust is present, remove any visibly affected leaves and treat with a fungicide. 

While rusts are normally plant-specific, these fungi can be transferred to anemones from plants in the Prunus genus. This genus includes most non-citrus fruit trees and shrubs.

Japanese anemones are susceptible to attack by mosaic viruses creating spotted flower petals. Affected plants should be removed and destroyed to stop the infection.

 Uses

Anemones are used in gardens as border flowers, and they are also common in arrangements. 

Flowers should be cut in the morning when the buds are still closed. They can be opened by being placed in room-temperature water for a few hours. A flower should last about nine days after cutting.

Anemones were once commonly used for herbal medicines, but this has fallen out of practice. The chemical Protoanemonin is produced by a chemical reaction in Ranunculaceae plants when they are damaged. 

Herbalists took advantage of its irritant properties by applying it topically to treat arthritis and headaches. The substance is toxic if ingested, causing dizziness, nausea, vomiting and, in severe cases, paralysis.

Health benefits of Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Azadirachta indica (Neem), is a herb widely utilized in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathic systems of medicine [7] to treat health-related problems and ailments.

Neem is known to exert anti-cancer, antioxidant, wound healing, and anti-microbial properties [5,6,7] is also known to be one of these plants from which almost every part is used, from the Neem oil, extracted from its seeds to the leaves and branches, to say the least, neem benefits extend to various lines of health. Image: See credits under ref. [12] below.

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AZADIRACHTA INDICA

Family: Meliaceae

Genus: Azadirachta

Common name: Neem, Indian lilac, Margosa tree

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF NEEM

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The health benefits of neem are multiple but what can be the secret behind Neem benefits?

As in other herbs, Neem beneficial effects are given by some of its active constituents, some of which the pharmaceutical industry have used as their primary source to build drugs against illnesses as important as cancer, for which already more than 400 active constituents derived from plants and herbs are used.

Herbs as Neem and Ginkgo biloba as well as many other well renown herbs have been in the scope of pharmaceutical companies since long ago, mainly due to the properties and health benefits exerted by some of their active constituents are known to act as health boosters.

NEEM ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS

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More than 140 compounds have been isolated from different parts of Melia herb or neem. All parts of the neem tree as:

• leaves,
• flowers,
• seeds,
• fruits,
• roots and
• bark

have been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders.

Among those active constituents, Neem has thirty-one nortriterpenoids, including 28 limonoids and 3 degraded limonoids, and one diterpenoid [3], as well as azadirachtin.

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NEEM BENEFITS

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ANTI-MICROBIAL AND ANTI-BACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM)

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Among all the properties and health benefits exerted by Azadirachta indica (Neem) we shall highlight one, its ability totreat skin and skin related problems, either as part of poly herbal anti-acne face wash gels formulations [1], or part ofanti-microbial preparations against some groups of bacteria as Escherichia coli (E.coli) [2].

Azadirachta indica (Neem) by itself doesn't seem to be much different from any other plant from its family and genus, but when we look closer we find some major differences that may indicate why this plant is so different, its active constituents, among which we find thirty-one nortriterpenoids, including 28 limonoids and 3 degraded limonoids, and one diterpenoid [3]. Image right: Neem tree by Wendy Cutler under Creative Common license (CC BY 2.0).

At least one study reported how five of those active constituents found in Melia herb or Azadirachta indica (Neem) showed an important inhibitory effect on the melanogenesis in the B16 melanomacells, with results of 74 to 91% reduction of melanin content at 25 micro G/ml and almost no toxicity to healthy cells[3], with which Neem becomes one of these plants to be noted for the development of new drugs based on the active constituents of this plant.

Neem leaves are responsible for some already mentioned neem benefits, they are known to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycaemic, antiulcer, antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties [5,7], being one of the most active parts of the plant.

ANTI-GINGIVITIS AND ANTI-PLAQUE PROPERTIES OF NEEM

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The use of Azadirachta indica (neem) for the treatment of dental ailments as gingivitis, plaque and periodontitis have been reported in India since several decades ago, mainly due to its antisepticproperties and activity [9].

In a study of the subject, forty-five subjects with plaque-induced gingivitis divided into three groups were asked to rinse with 15 ml of mouthwash twice a day.

The study showed that Azadirachta indica (neem) was as effective in reducing periodontitis as Chlorhexidine, reducing significantly gingival bleeding and plaque indices in the non-placebo groups [9].

NEEM FOR CERVICAL CANCER

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In, at least, one study on the antioxidant properties of neem (Azadirachta indica) in inducing apoptosis of cervical cancer cells, neem demonstrated to be a potent inducer of apoptosis in biopsies of cervical cancer patients [10].

NEEM BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS

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As with any other herbs and plants the use of Neem should follow your doctor's advice. In primates, the use of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed extracts (Praneem) given orally caused abrogation of pregnancy.

In the time following treatment, the animals regained their normal cyclicity in the cycles subsequent to Praneem treatment [1].

Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is not intended to prescribe or give in any way or form medical advice, recommend or diagnose. Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page for more info.

REFERENCES

[1] Formulation and comparative evaluation of poly herbal anti-acne face wash gels. Rasheed A, Avinash Kumar Reddy G, Mohanalakshmi S, Ashok Kumar CK. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Sree Vidyanikethan College of Pharmacy, A. Rangampet, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

[2] Antimicrobial activities of skincare preparations from plant extracts. Kareru PG, Keriko JM, Kenji GM, Thiong'o GT, Gachanja AN, Mukiira HN. Chemistry Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya

[3] Melanogenesis inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive effects of limonoids from the seeds of Azadirachta indicia A. Juss. (neem). Akihisa T, Noto T, Takahashi A, Fujita Y, Banno N, Tokuda H, Koike K, Suzuki T, Yasukawa K, Kimura Y.College of Science and Technology, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan.

[4] Some Nigerian plants of dermatologic importance. Ajose FO. Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

[5] Antiangiogenic Effects and Therapeutic Targets of Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract in Endothelial Cells Saswati Mahapatra, 1 Charles Y. F. Young, 1 Manish Kohli, 1 R. Jeffrey Karnes, 1 Eric W. Klee, 2 Michael W. Holmes, 3 Donald J. Tindall, 1 and Krishna Vanaja Donkena 1, 4 , *

[6] Anti-microbial activity of a new vaginal contraceptive NIM-76 from neem oil (Azadirachta indica). SaiRam M, Ilavazhagan G, Sharma SK, Dhanraj SA, Suresh B, Parida MM, Jana AM, Devendra K, Selvamurthy W. Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Ministry of Defence, Timarpur, -1 10054, Delhi, India.

[7] Medicinal properties of neem leaves: a review. Subapriya R, Nagini S. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.

[8] Antiangiogenic Effects and Therapeutic Targets of Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract in Endothelial Cells. Mahapatra S, Young CY, Kohli M, Karnes RJ, Klee EW, Holmes MW, Tindall DJ, Donkena KV. Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

[9] To evaluate the antigingivitis and antiplaque effects of an Azadirachta indica (neem) mouthrinse on plaque induced gingivitis: A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Chatterjee A, Saluja M, Singh N, Kandwal A. Department of Periodontics, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.

[10] A study on antioxidant and apoptotic effect of Azadirachta Indica (neem) in cases of cervical cancer. Vasenwala SM, Seth R, Haider N, Islam N, Khan T, Maheshwari V, Ur Rehman S.Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India.

[11] Purified neem (Azadirachta indica) seed extracts (Praneem) abrogate pregnancy in primates. Mukherjee S, Lohiya NK, Pal R, Sharma MG, Talwar GP. International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India.

[12] Pixabay image under Public Domain License CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0).