Analysis of phytochemical variability in Neem formulations

Herbal drug development includes various steps, starting from a passport data on raw materials, correct identification, pharmacognistic and chemical quality, standardization, safety and randomized clinical trials. Addressing standardization is vital and needs broader consideration. Adulteration in market samples and availability of sub-standard products is one of the greatest drawbacks in promotion of herbal products from India, therefore, present study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemical variability in neem formulations available in the market. Five Ayurvedic formulations, containing neem as the main ingredient was chosen for the study. The samples were tested for the amount of limonoids like 2', 3’ dehydrosalannol, salannin, nimbolide and azadiradione using HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography) technique. The wide variations in the amount of the active principles in the samples highlight the need for stringent quality control measures in herbal industry.