PRODUCTION OF IMPROVED STORAGE-STABLE EX- TRACT FROM INDIAN MELIACEOUS SEED

摘要

PURPOSE: To improve storage stability of an extract containing azadirachtin as an active insecticidal component by treating the extract of seeds of neem with a molecular sieve and selectively removing water contained therein. CONSTITUTION: Neem seeds are dried and the dried seeds are ground and a water-containing azadirachtin extract solution is extracted from the powder with a solvent capable of dissolving azadirachtin (e.g. an alcohol or an aprotic solvent). An effective amount of 3-4Åmolecular sieve is added to the solution and water is selectively removed from the extract to provide stable azadirachtin solution containing <=5vol.%, especially <=1vol.% water.