Melia azedarach

Botanical name : Melia azedarach Linn.
Family : Meliaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Agnimandha, Arani, Ganikarika, Vaijayanta

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya, Katu
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Eeshat Ushna

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Persian lilac
Hindi : Bakayan, Mahanimb
Malayalam : Malaveppu, Valiyaveppu

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild, and cultivated.

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A moderate sized deciduous tree grows up to 15 meters in height. Leaves bi or tripinnate, pinnate opposite or alternate, ovate – lanceolate, dentate and acuminate. Flowers lilac colored, fragrant; fruits globose drupes green and become yellow when ripe, contain 4 seeds.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, sciatica, lumbago, headache, skin diseases, wounds, ulcers, worm infestations, cough, diabetes, amenorrhea, fever, vomiting, burning sensation, urinary tract infections and general debility. In excessive dose it is mild toxic, and induces purgation and emesis.
Useful part : Root, Leaves, Seed, Flowers.