Habibu Uthman (2010). Characterization and Evaluation of Medicinal Qualities of Pharmaceutical Grade Neem Oil, Global Journal of Engineering and Technology, Vol. 2, No. 1, 107–113

Abstract

Pharmaceutical Neem oil was produced from the crude Neem oil sample obtained at NARICT, Zaria by relining process namely: degumming, alkali refining, decolourization and deodourization processes at 60oC. The result of the physicochemical analyses of the pharmaceutical oil sample produced were specific gravity 0.9114, refractive index 1.4632, viscosity 27 Centipoise, acid value 0.02 MgKOH/g, free fatty acid value 0.01 MgKOH/g, Saponification value 185.8 KOH/g, peroxide value 5.25M Eq/Kg and ester value o1.185.75 KOH/g. The physicochemical and comparative analysis of the dark brown coloured neem oil and produced light yellow coloured pharmaceutical Neem oil confirm that purification was achieved as indicated by the result of the physicochemical analyses. Investigation of the medicinal efficacy of the pharmaceutical oil shows that it is effective against fungi skin infections like ringworm, eczema, skin rashes and it is an excellent anti-dandruff Result also shows that it is safe for use without any adverse effect.