Neem

Description

Neem is a compound that has a long history of use in both traditional Indian medicine and Ayurveda. Many of the popular herbal treatments in these two systems are still derived from it. Neem is a large evergreen tree, Azadirachta indica, in the mahogany family. It grows naturally in India and Sri Lanka, and has been successfully transplanted to other regions including West Africa, Indonesia, and Australia. The tree has small white flowers and produces a smooth, yellow-green fruit. All parts of the tree have medical uses. In India, neem is sometimes called "the village pharmacy." Over 100 pharmacologically active substances have been identified in this plant, and it has many traditional applications.

General use

Neem's wide variety of reported benefits include use in the treatment of fever , gastrointestinal disease, dermatologic (skin) disorders, immune dysfunction, respiratory disease, parasites, inflammatory conditions, and infections by some bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Some components have been shown to have antimalarial properties. The seeds contain an insecticidal substance that is EPA approved for use on nonfood crops.

Some viral diseases have been treated by components of neem. It may inhibit the multiplication of viruses

and prevent them from entering and infecting cells. Some of the diseases that have reportedly been relieved include colds, flu, and conditions caused by herpes, such as chickenpox and shingles .

Neem appears to be an appropriate treatment for numerous dermatologic indications. Its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving activity make it potentially useful against psoriasis, eczema, acne, dermatitis , and an assortment of fungal conditions. The neem leaf has been shown to have activity that suppresses the fungi that cause athlete's foot , ringworm, and Candida. Seed oil and aqueous leaf extracts have been used to treat jock itch , another fungal infection. The oil and leaf extract may be applied externally in the form of lotions and soaps. Leaf preparations may also be used internally for the detoxification properties. Poultices made from the leaf have antiseptic and astringent properties that treat wounds and boils .

Both internal and external parasites may be sensitive to the effects of neem. External parasites, such as lice and mites, are often treated in India with aqueous extracts of neem leaves. A medical research center in Nagercoil, India, found that a combination of neem and turmeric cured 97% of patients with scabies within 3–15 days of treatment. Teas are used against internal parasites, including intestinal worms . Perhaps one of the most interesting claims for neem is for the prevention and treatment of malaria . Leaf extracts are said to have the same effectiveness as quinine and chloroquine, the conventional medications that are used. Some studies show that even chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria are sensitive to neem, particularly a component called Irodin A. The recommended preventative measure is to chew and consume the leaves on a daily basis.

Twigs and leaves of the neem tree may be used for oral hygiene, and neem bark extracts used in toothpastes and mouthwashes are active against gingivitis. Ayurveda holds that neem has healthful properties for teeth and gum tissue.

Ayurvedic tradition holds that neem bark improves resistance to disease. It appears that certain carbohydrates contained in the bark do indeed stimulate the production of antibodies. One source recommends a cyclical use of neem to strengthen the immune system in order to lower the incidence of infections, particularly in people who have conditions that compromise the immune system.

Some studies show that neem can lower blood sugar levels. It has traditionally been used in Indian medicine for diabetes, and research with animals confirms this potential. Neem is an approved medication for the treatment of diabetes in India. Several forms of the supplement, including leaf extracts and teas, have been shown to have beneficial effects on reducing blood sugar.

There are several components of neem that may make it valuable in the treatment of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis . It is a proven anti-inflammatory that decreases histamine and other mediators of inflammation in the body. Some of the important chemicals in neem that contribute to this effect are nimbidin, limonoids, and catechin. Warmed neem oil is also recommended for external use to reduce pain and inflammation in affected joints.

Neem has documented spermicidal properties when used intravaginally in women, and is sometimes used as a contraceptive. It is also being studied as a birth control measure for use by males.

Other claims for neem are extensive. They include treatment of high blood pressure, cholesterol , heart arrhythmia, kidney disorders, indigestion, anxiety, epilepsy , and many more. Some cancers may possibly be affected by the use of neem products. Consult a practitioner of Ayurveda or other expert in the use of botanicals for guidance in appropriate indications and products.

In addition to the treatment of human diseases and disorders, neem is being intensively studied as a natural insect repellent and pesticide. Studies in India and Pakistan have shown that it is an effective mosquito repellent. In 2002, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that neem seed extract is toxic to the larvae of the Florida root weevil and other pests that attack citrus trees. As of 2000, 70 different patents had been granted for neem products intended for agricultural use.

Researchers in the textile industry are also finding uses for neem in the production of natural compounds for treating fabric. Neem seed hulls can be used to support the growth of fungi that produce an enzyme that will remove dye from cloth.

Preparations

There are many forms and routes of use for neem. Some of the preparations include seed oil, aqueous extracts of the leaf, powder from the leaf, smoke from burning dried leaves, and leaf pastes. Topically, neem oil and leaf extracts are incorporated into some soaps and lotions for the treatment of skin conditions. These act to relieve inflammation and kill some of the infectious causes of conditions including acne and many fungi. A decoction of the bark is used externally for hemorrhoids . Some bark extracts are also especially bactericidal.

The directions for use and application of products vary depending on the formulation. Refer to the label information or consult a health care provider.

Precautions

Due to a lack of sufficient study data and possible toxicity, it is inadvisable for children and pregnant or nursing women to use neem. Those who have impaired liver or kidney function should also use great caution. Large doses of seed or seed components may be toxic.

Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners advise against the use of neem if the patient suffers from obvious wasting or fatigue .

Side effects

The long history of the use of neem in India appears to show that there is a low incidence of side effects when used appropriately. Infants have suffered severe sequelae, and even death as a result of internal use of neem. Avoid using neem products on children.

Interactions

No clinically significant interactions between neem and other supplements or medications have been reported as of 2002.

Resources

BOOKS

Bratman, Steven, and David Kroll. Natural Health Bible. Ro-seville, Calif.: Prima Publishing, 1999.

Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. New York: DK Publishing, Inc., 1996.

Jellin, Jeff, Forrest Batz, and Kathy Hitchens. Pharmacist's letter/Prescriber's Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Calif.: Therapeutic Research Faculty, 1999.

Pelletier, Kenneth R., MD. The Best Alternative Medicine. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2002.

PERIODICALS

Siddiqui, B. S., F. Afshan, S. Faizi, et al. "Two New Triterpenoids from Azadirachta indica and Their Insecticidal Activity." Journal of Natural Products 65 (August 2002): 1216-1218.

Verma, P., and D. Madamwar. "Production of Ligninolytic Enzymes for Dye Decolorization by Cocultivation of White-Rot Fungi Pleurotus ostreatus and Phanerochaete chrysosporium Under Solid-State Fermentation." Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology 102-103 (July-December 2002): 109-118.

Weathersbee, A. A., 3rd, and Y. Q. Tang. "Effect of Neem Seed Extract on Feeding, Growth, Survival, and Reproduction of Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)." Journal of Economic Entomology 95 (August 2002): 661-667.

ORGANIZATIONS

The Ayurvedic Institute. 11311 Menaul NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. (505) 291-9698. <www.ayurveda.com>.

National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine. 584 Milltown Road, Brewster, NY 10509. (845) 278-8700. <www.niam.com>.

United States Department of Agriculture. Washington, DC 20250. <www.usda.gov>.

OTHER

Selvester, Joseph. "Neem: The Village Pharmacy." The Original Neem Company. http://www.askjoseph.com/Ayurveda/villagepharmacy.htm. (1999).

Judith Turner

Rebecca J. Frey, PhD