The neem tree, which is a plant originating in India and Burma, has more useful non-wood properties than any other tree. Neem is a tropical evergreen growing in about 72 countries. It is the most researched tree in the world because its products are useful in agriculture, industrial products, soaps, and medicine.
Historical Medicinal Uses of Neem
Used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for more than 4000 years, benefits of neem were referred to in ancient Sanskrit writings, according to "Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems," which is a 1992 report written for the Board of Science and Technology. Its most common medicinal use was as an antiseptic used to fight fungal infections like ringworm and candida in humans and animals. Because of its pesticide properties, human health and food supply were protected by neem. In subtropical environments where neem grows, people of various cultures used and continue to use branches of neem as toothbrushes with resulting dental benefits.
Neem's Medicinal Properties
All of the neem tree seems to have beneficial uses from its seeds, oil, roots, bark, and fruits. Not all of its healing effects are understood, but it is used in Asian, African, some European countries, and increasingly more of the globe. Neem is used either as an antiviral agent reportedly preventing or limiting viral infections or as an anti-inflammatory for pain relief and tp decrease fever. It is used to fight malaria in India. Neem has been used as a spermicide for inexpensive birth control.
Promising Uses of Neem
Neem may have antibacterial properties against some bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhosa. It offers promise for people who may be susceptible to the crippling Chagas disease, which is transmitted to humans by "kissing bugs," which are similar to bedbugs. It is non-toxic for humans, and as a pesticide, it can kill the bugs responsible for carrying the disease. Its applications in dental products and skin treatments and its use against infections and diseases involving viruses and bacteria are being investigated.
Neem for Diabetes and Cancer
Neem has healing implications for diabetes because there is evidence that its use may lower the need for insulin. Reportedly, neem reduced the need for insulin dosage by 30 to 50 percent in one group of patients. Its use as an anti-cancer agent is not yet clear, but a recent study by Ishita Mandal-Ghosh and associates in the March 2007 issue of "Cancer Immunity" indicated that neem products have potential for a vaccine for breast cancer. The study, performed with mice and rats, showed that the addition of a preparation from neem leaf added to an antigen helped produce higher amounts of an immune antibody helpful for protecting against breast cancer.
Further Neem Research Needed
Even though the reported medicinal uses for neem is convincing, there remains only a relatively small scientific research base for them. As with all remedies without solid medically-supported research, neem should only be used medicinally with the advice and knowledge of a qualified medical professional.
References
- "Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems"; Board of Sci. & Tech. for Int'l. Development; 1992
- "Cancer Immunity"; Neem leaf preparation enhances Th1 type immune response; Ishita Mandal-Ghosh, et al.; March 30, 2007
- "Research Journal of Medicinal Plant"; The Growing Importance of Neem; I.P. Obuewu, et al.; 2011
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