Recently, interest is growing in the use of an alternative antifungal remedy called neem, which has been used routinely in Pakistan and India for many years. Properties of extracts of neem leaf, bark and seeds have been studied clinically and found to be useful in treating different types of fungal infections of the skin and mouth.
Complementary treatments can not take the place of medical advice. Contact your health care provider to determine if use of neem is right for you.
History
Azadirachta indica, also known as neem, has been used extensively in Ayurveda, Unani and homeopathic treatments. More recently, neem has been clinically studied by western medicine because of its wide use for multiple clinical indications.
According to the study published by the National Library of Medicine titled "Medicinal Properties of Neem Leaves: A Review," more than 140 different compounds have been identified in different segments of the plant. All parts of the tree are used in medical preparations including the leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, bark and roots. Neem has been used to treat inflammation, fungal and bacterial infections, skin disease, fever and dental problems.
Antifungal Uses in People
Azadirachta indica, or neem, extract of leaves and seeds have been used as medicinal therapies in India. Neem has been useful in treating fungal infections including athlete's foot, ringworm and candida.
According to a research report published in the "Indian Journal of Pathological Microbiology," neem extract was found to be effective against several specific types of skin dermatophytes or infections. Three common types of fungi that neem was effective against include epidetmophyton, trichophyton and microsporum. Neem attacks the cell covering and disrupts its growth pattern.
Neem for Plants and Animals
In Sanskrit, neem is called kalpvruksh because of its unlimited applications. In India, it is a popular anti-fungal and insecticide. Individuals chew two fresh neem leaves daily to prevent disease and the dried leaves are used in grain storage to prevent infestation by storage insects.
Neem oil is also used as a fungal deterrent in pets. In clinical studies on animals, neem was found to be an affective fungicidal component. If you are considering neem use on your pet, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Products
Neem extract is available in a variety of forms including oil, cream, sprays and capsules. Neem extract is also added to cosmetic creams, lotions and soaps. Neem oil spray can be purchased in your local garden center for use as an antifungal plant spray, The products are widely available for sale on the Internet and in health food stores. Neem products are also available from Ayurveda healers.
References
- AyurvedicCure: Neem Supplements
- PubMed: "Anti dermatophytic activity of Azardirachta indica (neem) by invitro study"
- PubMed: "Neem (Azadirachta indica a. Juss) components: candidates for the control of Crinipellis perniciosa and Phytophthora"
- PubMed: "Medicinal properties of neem leaves: a review"
- Discover Neem: Using dry chrshed neem leaves
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