Ulcers, also called peptic ulcers, are lesions that develop on the lining of your stomach, small intestine or esophagus. According to MayoClinic.com, 10 percent of all Americans will experience an ulcer at some time. Doctors used to blame stress or diet for ulcers; research has shown that the bacteria H. pylori--along with certain medications--is responsible for most ulcers. See your doctor if you have abdominal pain or other ulcer symptoms. Some people turn to herbal remedies, such as neem oil, to treat ulcers. Ask your doctor before using neem oil.
Ulcer Features
Abdominal pain--usually a burning sensation--is caused by stomach acids contacting the ulcerated areas, and can be felt anywhere from the navel up into the breastbone. According to MayoClinic.com, the pain may last a few minutes, or may persist for hours; it often worsens at night and can sometimes can be relieved by taking antacids or eating foods that buffer stomach acids. If your doctor believes your ulcer results from H. pylori infection, he will treat it with antibiotics; he may also prescribe medications that reduce stomach acids, such as antacids, acid blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
Neem Oil History and Recommendations
Neem oil is made from the seed kernels of the neem tree, a large evergreen tree native to India, botanically known as Azadirachta indica and also called the margosa. Herbal remedies extracted from the bark, fruit, seeds and leaves are revered in Ayurvedic medicine, and used to treat a myriad of conditions, including infections, cardiovascular diseases, malaria, leprosy and ulcers. Herbtime notes that neem is considered a rasayana, or life-prolonging substance, and credits it with the ability to reduce stomach hyperacidity. Remedy Guru concurs, stating that neem extracts can soothe discomfort of gastric and duodenal ulcers, and even promote healing.
Constituents and Effects
Neem oil contains glycerides and limonoid triterpenes, including salanin, rimbidin and nimbidin. Drugs.com, which provides peer-reviewed medical information to consumers, says that neem also contains beta-sitosterol, as well as antioxidants such as quercetin, gallic acid, and catechin. The website credits neem extracts with antibacterial effects--particularly against H. pylori--as well as antiviral, antifungal, anticancer and antioxidant properties.
Research
There is some scientific research supporting the use of neem for ulcers. In a clinical study conducted by U. Bandyopadhyay and published in the November, 2002 issue of "Life Sciences," researchers found that an extract of neem was highly potent in blocking gastric ulcers induced by indomethacin in rats, leading them to conclude that neem has therapeutic potential for control of hyperacidity and ulcers. Although the study was performed using an extract from the bark, Drugs.com notes that neem oil contains many of the same active ingredients, including salanin, rimbidin and nimbidin.
Safety Considerations
Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health warns that neem oil can be toxic to children, and should be kept out of their reach. According to Drugs.com, neem oil is considered safe for adults if used in recommended doses. Ask your doctor before using neem oil. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you shouldn't use neem oil.
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