Description

Melia Azadirachta Branch/Leaf Extract is derived from the branches and leaves of the neem tree (Melia azadirachta), a tropical evergreen native to the Indian subcontinent. This extract is valued for its potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient in various cosmetic and personal care products.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Components: The extract contains a range of bioactive compounds, including azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbidin, and other limonoids. These compounds contribute to its therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.
Structure: The active compounds are primarily terpenoids and polyphenols. Azadirachtin, for example, has a complex structure with multiple rings and functional groups that contribute to its biological activity.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Typically a dark green to brown liquid or powder, depending on the extraction method and concentration.
Odor: Characteristically earthy or herbal, which may be strong depending on the concentration.
Solubility: Soluble in water and various organic solvents, depending on the specific extraction method used.
pH: Usually has a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 4.5 to 7.0, but this can vary.

Production Process:

Harvesting: The branches and leaves of the neem tree are collected, typically from mature trees.
Extraction: The plant material is subjected to extraction using solvents such as water, ethanol, or methanol. The choice of solvent affects the composition of the extract.
Filtration and Concentration: The extract is filtered to remove solid particles and concentrated to achieve the desired potency.
Formulation: The concentrated extract is then incorporated into cosmetic formulations or further processed into powders or other forms.

Applications:

Skin Care: Used in creams, lotions, and serums for its purported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It helps in soothing irritated skin and improving skin health.
Hair Care: Included in shampoos and conditioners to promote scalp health and combat dandruff due to its antimicrobial properties.
Oral Care: Sometimes used in oral care products like mouthwashes for its antibacterial benefits.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: The neem tree is sustainable and grows well in a variety of conditions, making it an environmentally friendly source. However, responsible harvesting practices should be observed to ensure the sustainability of neem resources.
Safety: This ingredient is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. People with sensitive skin or allergies to neem or related plants should exercise caution.

INCI:


Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.

Film-forming agent. It produces, upon application, a very thin continuous film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on skin, hair or nails to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.
Synonyms:

CAS: 90063-92-6 EC number 290-052-2