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The Advantages of Neem

Mar 16, 2011 | By ShamalaPulugurtha
The Advantages of Neem
Photo Credit neem image by fotomagic from Fotolia.com

Neem, or Azadirachta indica, is an evergreen tree found extensively in India. The stems, roots, leaves and young fruits of the tree are made into capsules, tablets, lotions, creams, soaps and shampoos and are used to treat a variety of conditions. The side effects and drug interactions of the herb have not been documented scientifically, although Drugs.com states that more than 0.2 mL of neem oil per kilogram of body weight can lead to toxic reactions. It is important to talk to a doctor before using neem for any health problem.

Infections

Neem oil has significant antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacteria and fungi. A study published in the May 2007 edition of the "Malaria Journal" found that neem oil can inhibit the growth of the mosquito species that carry the malarial parasite and may be a cheap alternative to the traditional larvicides. Drugs.com also states that neem leaf extracts can improve hemoglobin and CD4+ in HIV patients without the help of any other anti-retroviral drugs. Neem extracts may also help treat sexually transmitted diseases in women caused by organisms such as Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Cancer

Certain components of neem, such as limonin glucopyranoside, azadirone, quercetin and kaemferol, may suppress the growth of cancer cells and reduce the incidence of tumors by enhancing immune response, neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting division of cancer cells, says Drugs.com. These claims, however, have not been proven in actual clinical cases.

Dental Health

Neem twigs are commonly chewed every morning in rural India to clean the teeth and prevent dental infections. Several studies, such as the one published in 2007 in the "Indian Journal of Dental Research," have also demonstrated the inhibitory effects of neem extracts against oral bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus salivarus, thereby proving the benefit of chewing neem twigs.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties

Another study published in the June 2002 edition of the journal "Current Science" indicates that the chloroform extracts of neem stem bark can reduce inflammation in animal models. Neem plant extracts can also relieve pain via brain and spinal cord receptors known as opioid receptors. However, there is no clinical evidence to prove these benefits, so it is important to talk to a doctor before using them for pain.

Diabetes

Neem leaf extracts and neem seed oil helped reduce the blood sugar levels in diabetic rabbits, according to P. Khosla, author of a study published in the January 2000 edition of the "Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology." Neem extracts may, therefore, help manage blood sugar levels in diabetes patients and delay the onset of the disease. However, it is important to prove these benefits in clinical cases before using them for diabetes treatment.

Head Lice

An article published in the September 2006 edition of the journal "Parasitology Research" states that shampoos containing neem are very effective against head lice in the laboratory and may replace some of the chemicals used in anti-lice shampoos. However, as in other cases, talk to your doctor before using neem shampoos for head lice to avoid adverse reactions.

References

Article reviewed by Christine Brncik Last updated on: Mar 16, 2011

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