Neem has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, to address an eclectic mix of conditions, including but not limited to diabetes, skin disease, fungal infections, viral infections, fever, parasites and digestive problems. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports that neem contains over 100 biologically active substances, but notes that a lack of studies on this herbal remedy makes it difficult to draw any firm conclusions about the therapeutic benefit for any condition. As of the time of publication, a full safety profile of neem is unavailable, but some side effects as well as other potentially negative actions have been reported. If you believe taking neem will address a particular health concern, talk to your doctor about whether or not it is appropriate to use this supplement.
Side Effects
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center notes that the long history of use suggests that neem is generally a safe substance to use, but points out that only neem oil, one component of the plant, has been formally tested for safety. Like any substance, natural or synthetic, however, there may be some side effects affecting small numbers of people. The physician-created eMedTV notes that side effects reported in studies include low or absent urine production, kidney damage, liver damage, jaundice, destruction of red blood cells and allergic reactions.
Contraindications
Drugs.com reports that there are no documented contraindications of instances in which you should not use neem. A lack of information regarding whether or not you can safely use neem while pregnant or breast-feeding makes it prudent to avoid use. Since liver and kidney damage have been reported in studies, do not use neem without talking to your doctor first if you suffer from diseases that affect these organs. If you suffer from any other sort of health condition or take any prescription medications, always discuss the use of supplements with your doctor.
Toxicity Concerns
Seeds are poisonous in large doses, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports on animal studies in which it was found that whole neem might damage chromosomes when used in large amounts or for long periods of time. When used in normal doses, it is unlikely to pose these risks, but due to the lack of information regarding long-term use of this supplement or clear dosing guidelines, it is prudent to consult with a physician knowledgeable about natural medicine for guidance on how much neem to take and how long you can safely use it.
Special Concern for Use in Children
While it is always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician before giving your child any sort of supplement, it is particularly important in the case of neem. According to eMedTV, children might have a particular sensitivity to neem, and there have been reports of serious, sometimes immediate adverse reactions, including vomiting, loose stools, increased acidity in the blood, anemia, elevated white blood cell count, seizures, fainting, coma, swelling in the brain and even death.
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