Native to south and southeast Asia, the neem tree is one of the most versatile plants used medicinally in India. Almost every part of the tree is usable. Persons taking neem should do so carefully and in consultation with someone familiar with the properties of the herb and its products. Allergies, side effects and toxicities are possible with this plant. Talk to your physician before using any neem product.
Chemical Constituents
Neem oil contains terpenoids, such as azadirachtin, nimbin, pectin and sialin, as well as aflatoxin in small amounts. Azadirachtin is used both as a pesticide and medicinally.
Purported Uses
Neem is said to be an antioxidant, an antibacterial and antiviral agent, a potent spermicide and an anti-inflammatory. It has been used against malaria, leprosy and cholera, for pain relief, and as a treatment for asthma, tumors, snakebite and scorpion stings. Diabetes, skin disorders and wounds are also treated with parts of the neem tree.
The Research
According to a 1990 issue of "Contraception: An International Journal," a fraction of neem oil designated NIM-76 showed potent spermicidal activity in animal studies. The researchers, S. S. Riar and colleagues, found that NIM-76's ability to kill sperm was not affected by vaginal or cervical mucus.
The June 8, 2009, issue of "Malaria Journal" reported research showing that neem is useful as a pesticide controlling populations of illness-causing mosquitoes. Because of this, it holds promise as an environmentally friendly, low-cost agent to control disease in vulnerable areas. Preliminary research also indicates that neem can inhibit certain drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria carried by mosquitoes.
In vitro and animal research shows that neem has antibacterial properties. Research by Zhang et al., published on March 31, 2010 in "Filoterapia," indicated that neem was effective against three standard bacterial strains, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Although these early results are promising, they may not indicate that neem is effective in humans. Little data is available on the drug's safety, dosage forms and frequency of dosage.
Allergies
Allergies are possible with any herb or supplement. Rashes, swelling, redness and itching may be seen with neem products. Other allergic symptoms can include difficulty breathing, tightness or pain in the chest, and swelling of the lips, mouth and throat. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Toxicities
Neem oil should not be taken internally. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and other gastric symptoms. Life-threatening toxicities can also occur, particularly in children. According to a case report in "Indian Pediatrics," severe neem oil toxicity in children is possible even with small doses of the oil. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, uncontrollable seizures and life-threatening levels of acid in the blood, a condition known as metabolic acidosis. The individual may also be left with neurological damage. Never give neem to a child without consulting with your pediatrician.
Precautions
Although neem has "Generally Recognized as Safe" status from the United States Food and Drug Administration, it should still be used cautiously and only as directed by your health-care provider or as directed on the label. Do not give neem oil to children, and store it safely out of their reach. At least 13 deaths in children have occurred due to toxicity of this herb. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use of neem because no data exist on the safety of the herb for these populations. Couples attempting to become pregnant should not use neem products.
References
- Pharma Info Neem: A Natural Boon
- "Indian Pediatrics"; Case Report: Neem Oil Poisoning; R. Dhongade et al.; Jan. 17, 2008.
- "Contraception An International Journal"; Volatile fraction of Neem Oil as a Spermicide; S. S. Riar et al.; Oct. 1990.
- "Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology"; Effect of Neem Oil on Some Pathogenic Bacteria; T. Jahan et al.; 2007.
- "Malaria Journal"; Larvicidal Activity of Neem oil (Azadirachta indica) Formulation against Mosquitoes; V. Dua et al.; 2009.
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