Research Supports Value of Neem Herbal Extracts
Proof Mounting That Asian Evergreen Tree Provides Health Benefits
Feb 6, 2009
The neem (Azadirachta indica) tree found in India is a staple of Ayurvedic medicine, with every part of the tree-bark, seeds, leaves, fruit, gum and oils being used. Over time scientific data has been growing regarding the health enhancing properties of neem, reinforcing the traditional healing claims for the plant.
Neem for Malaria Prevention
Neem oil’s value as a natural insecticide has been proven in various circumstances. In the case of malaria, liminoids extracted from the plant are used to kill Anopheles mosquito larvae, an important malaria vector species.
Neem tree oil is also being used as mosquito repellent, both in lamps to reduce insect numbers in areas of human habitation and as a topical insecticide. In addition, neem is being investigated as an oral antimalarial drug, with a focus on the chloroquine resistant forms of malaria.
Antiviral, Anticancer and Immune Stimulating Properties of Neem
Neem appears to stimulate both the lymphocytic and cell-mediated immune systems while also slowing the growth of or killing bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Leaf extracts from this Asian evergreen have been proven to inhibit the growth of Dengue virus and enhance antibodies to Newcastle Disease, an often fatal virus in birds. The use of neem in the diet appears to enhance the body’s anti-tumor activity, specifically inhibiting colon and prostate cancer cell growth.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Neem
Neem has been shown to have high levels of antioxidants with strong free radical scavenging properties. Leaves, flowers and stems showed the strongest antioxidant effects. Another study revealed that neem may help protect the brain from hypoperfusion (lack of blood supply to the brain) and reperfusion damage (damage that occurs when restoration of the blood supply results in inflammation).
Other Uses for Neem
Topically, neem has proven useful in treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and ringworm. Seeds from the Asian evergreen aid in controlling fungal infections, including Candida albicans. Some intestinal parasites are responsive to treatment with neem seed extracts.
Claims that neem reverses gum disease and strengthens hair and nails have not been supported by research but anecdotal evidence appears to indicate that there may be some truth to the claims.
Side Effects and Contraindications
As with any medication, there is the potential for individuals to experience side effects from neem. At this time, there has been little or no evidence of adverse reactions to neem if used appropriately. In large doses, neem is toxic and has produced Reyes syndrome like symptoms in children and is, therefore contraindicated for them. Persons considering products from this Asian evergreen should consult with their health care provider prior to beginning use.
While much of the early research on neem has been done using laboratory animals and will need to be replicated in humans, in the cases where neem has been used in controlled human studies, the results have been good. It would appear that incorporating neem into a health care regime is likely to have a positive effect.
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