neemolie

Neemolie, the Dutch term for neem oil, is a vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). The tree is native to South Asia but is cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. Neemolie is used in horticulture as a botanical insect repellent and growth inhibitor and is also employed in cosmetics and traditional medicine.

Extraction and composition: Neemolie is usually produced by cold pressing the seeds; crude oil contains triglycerides and fatty acids such as oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids, along with minor bioactive limonoids including azadirachtin, salannin, and nimbin. Refined varieties may have reduced azadirachtin content, affecting pesticidal potency.

Uses: In agriculture, neemolie serves as a broad-spectrum insecticide, repellent, and feeding deterrent, with low mammalian toxicity. It degrades over time in the environment. In cosmetics, it is used as an emollient and fragrance carrier; in traditional medicine, it has been used for skin and hair care, though evidence is variable.

Safety and regulation: Neemolie is generally regarded as safe when used as directed; skin irritation can occur in sensitive individuals. It should be handled away from water sources and used with care around pets and aquatic life in concentrated formulations.

Availability: It is produced mainly in India and other tropical regions and sold as crude or refined oil, with varying azadirachtin content that influences pesticidal efficacy.