Azadirachtin extraction process

摘要

A process of producing an azadirachtin-rich aqueous solution is disclosed which comprises de-oiling by pressing whole or ground neem seeds to remove a first proportion of the oil content; extracting the de-oiled neem seeds with a polar organic solvent in which the azadirachtin is soluble but in which polysaccharides and proteins are not substantially soluble; partitioning the organic solvent solution against water to form an aqueous solution of azadirachtin and the remaining oil; and separating the remaining oil from the azadirachtin-rich aqueous solution. Additional steps of the process are also disclosed.