Great herbal supplement, whether your want to improve your digestion and gut flora, keep your immune system strong or rejuvenate your skin. This is a review of both traditional and modern uses, including its safety.
I.What is Neem?Neem Benefits-Traditional Use
II. Neem Benefits-Modern Research
Neem Benefits For Digestive Health (Including Neem For SIBO Natural Treatment, IBS or H pylori infections)
Neem Benefits As An Antimicrobial Herb (Anti-bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-parasitic, Anti-viral)
Neem Benefits As An Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulator
Neem Benefits for Skin Health
Other Neem Benefits: Anti-cancer, Anti Venom (Snakes) Effects
III.How To Take Neem
IV. Neem Side Effects
V. For Ayurveda/Yoga Lovers- More Details
I. What is Neem? Neem Benefits-Traditional Use
Neem (Azadiracta indica) is a medicinal herb. In fact, Neem was the first medicinal plant mentioned in the Siddha medicine (one of the oldest medical systems known, 10 000 B.C to 4 000 BC.). Based on palm leaf manuscripts that were passed from one generation to the next, we have learned that Neem had been widely used as a medicinal herb for many health conditions.
What is neem good for? Here is a summary of health benefits of Neem (traditional use, ie Indian and Chinese Medicine): Neem works as a powerful blood purifier and detoxifier; to reduce inflammation, treat infections(especially parasitic infections) and fever; for various digestive, respiratory and urinary diseases; for skin and hair care; ; to promote healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and optimal blood pressure.
Neem is native to India, but over the years had been introduced to other regions.Neem tree is found now in various regions of Asia, Africa, Central and South America and even in Europe and US. Its therapeutic potential had been recognized by Western word as well, being declared the “Tree of the 21st century” by the United Nations. The US National Academy of Science published a report called “Neem: A tree for solving global problems”[1].
II. Neem Benefits- Modern Research
Neem’s therapeutic effects are mainly due to its antioxidant activity, inhibition of bacterial growth, and modulation of genetic pathways. A review of research studies show that the key active ingredients of Neem have the following effects: anti inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial (anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti viral, anti parasitic (including antimalarial)), neuroprotective, anti-diabetes, wound healing effect, anticancer, and protects liver and kidney tissues. Technical: Neem contains around 140 compounds showing therapeutic potential.Key active ingredients include: azadirachtin as well as nimbin, nimbidin, nimbolide, and limonoids (modulate various genetic pathways), quercetin and ß-sitosterol (flavonoids with antimicrobial activities) [2].
1. Neem Benefits For Digestive Health & Detox
It has a strong detox, anti-ulcer and antimicrobial action against harmful bacteria found in the digestive tract [1],[3].
Neem shows antibacterial effects against bacteria found in the mouth. One study that tested 21 strains of food borne microbes suggests that Neem (as well as guava) extracts possess compounds with antibacterial properties that can be useful to control food poisoning (ie caused by Salmonella, E Coli). A few clinical trials found Neem based mouthwash comparable with conventional or other mouthwashes. In fact, a 2018 randomized controlled trial found Neem based mouthwash more effective than the standard one (based on chlorhexidine) [1],[5],[4],[6]. Note: unlike chlorhexidine that inhibits both bad and good bacteria (lactobacilli), Neem inhibits only S mutans, while not affecting the friendly bacteria-lactobacilli, suggests this study [7].
Neem’s detox abilities extent to heavy metals as well- some studies showing Neem’s potential against cadmium [17] and lead [18].
Could Neem be useful as part of the SIBO natural treatment, IBS or H pylori infections? Yes, in all cases.
H pylori infections have a significant impact on stomach acidity and is a leading cause of ulcers. Clinical studies also found neem able to promote healthy stomach production and heal duodenal, esophageal and gastric ulcers (doses used 30 mgs twice daily for 6-10 weeks) [1]. Although very limited, there is some direct evidence of anti-h pylori effects of neem [8]. Plus check out the next section -one key mechanism of action of neem relevant to digestive health is it’s broad spectrum antimicrobial effects.
Neem for SIBO/IBS: neem can be helpful for SIBO- including SIBO-C caused by methanogen overgrowth. Methanogens may look like bacteria, but behave more like parasites, and neem has both antibacterial and anti parasitic actions. Plus is great for gut detox, therefore would help to eliminate toxins accumulated along the digestive tract. More details about SIBO and its link with IBS here and here.
2.Neem Benefits As An Antimicrobial Herb (Anti-bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-parasitic, Anti-viral)
Neem has a broad spectrum antimicrobial coverage:
Anti-bacterial action: from microbes responsible for infections in the mouth (especially S. mutans, but also S. salivarius, S. mitis, and S. sanguis), to S. aureus, including MRSA, bacteria involved in acne (Staph. epidermis and Propionibacterium.) and urinary tract, digestive and respiratory infections (E. faecalis, various pathogenic strains of E. coli K. pneumoniae,P. aeruginosa), and even STIs like gonorrhea.
Anti-viral action: herpes simplex type 1 and coxsackievirus
Anti-fungal effects: Aspergillus, Rhizopus fungi; interferes with Candida fungi ability to adhere to the intestinal wall
Anti-parasitic action (including anti-malarial) of Neem: interferes with the life cycle of parasites, and inhibits their ability to feed and prevent the eggs from hatching.
Overall, Neem has a strong detox and antimicrobial action against harmful bacteria found in the digestive tract [1],[2], [9],[10],[11],[12],[13].
Neem shows the ability to disrupt bacterial biofilm(such as P aeruginosa, well-known bacteria to form biofilms), and inhibits the ability of fungi (ie Candida albicans) to attach to the gut lining, while protecting the healthy gut microbiome [14],[15]. Remember that a significant part of the immune system resides in the gut, therefore this is one way to explain Neem beneficial effects on the immune system.
3.Neem Benefits As An Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulator
Neem has potential to modulate the immune system and inhibit inflammatory pathways . Technical: interacts with the TNF binding domain of its receptors and inhibits TNF induced biological responses; anti-inflammatory via regulation of proinflammatory enzyme activities including cyclooxygenase (COX), and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme. Neem is a rich source of antioxidants. Nimbolide and azadirachtin from neem showing stronger antioxidant effects than ascorbate (vitamin C) [1],[2].
4.Neem Benefits for Skin Health
Neem has true rejuvenating effects on the skin, being widely used in cosmetic industry. Its antimicrobial antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects are helpful to help manage eczema, acne, psoriasis, and even warts [1]. For psoriasis: a double-blind clinical study found that taking Neem in addition to conventional coal tar treatment led to quicker and better response compared with control group [2].
5.Other Neem Benefits: Anti-cancer, Anti Venom (Snakes) Effects, Alternative to Oral Contraceptives
Based on animal studies, Neem appears to play pivotal role in anticancer (prevention and management of the cancer). Technical: through the modulation of various molecular pathways including p53, pTEN, NF-?B, PI3K/Akt, Bcl-2, and VEGF. and shows potential as an anti cancer herb (breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer). It also seems to be beneficial to prevent toxic effects of snake venom [1],[2]. Based on studies conducted in animals, Neem shows potential as an alternative to oral contraceptives. It was found to reversibly block the fertility in females; for males it showed anti-spermicide effects [16].
III.How To Take Neem
Choose organic Neem supplements. Neem can be taken internally in powder, capsule/ tablet or in liquid form. Dosage will vary based on the reason you are taking it. As a general rule start with a low dose. It can also be applied on the skin or hair — Neem seed oil, Neem leaf paste. For oral health, there are Neem based toothpaste and mouthwash available in Indian stores.
IV.Neem Side Effects
Overall, neem is well tolerated and has a good safety profile. However, you should seek professional advice and be cautious and/or avoid it completely in the following situations:
Do not give Neem oil or Neem seeds to children, as there were some reports of Neem poisoning [1].
Chewing Neem twigs for dental hygiene is an old age Indian tradition. However, there had been reported some allergic reactions (including de- pigmentation of the lips) [17]
Should not be used for those who wish to become pregnant, during pregnancy or lactation- neem has contraceptive effects (see above).
The safety of Neem in combination with prescription drugs is limited. Some data suggests possible interactions with acetaminophen. It may enhance the action of the anti-diabetes drugs or those used to treat high blood pressure.
Any prescription drug or herbal medicine can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, and neem is not an exception; neem should not be used at all by those with known allergic reactions to any plants in the mahogany family.
Some suggest that Neem may have the ability to decrease the temperature of a specific tissue or the entire body; I did not find modern studies to support this idea, so this info likely came from Ayurvedic textbooks. Therefore, use it cautiously if you have issues with cold (symptoms are aggravated by cold). If heat aggravates your symptoms, this may actually be a beneficial effect.
Neem is one of the most powerful blood-purifiers and detoxifiers in Ayurvedic usage. It cools the fever (alone or in combination with black pepper and gentian), clears the toxins and associated inflammatory skin diseases.
Neem flower can be used to prevent and treat bile disorders; the leaves to prevent and treat ulcers; and neem bark to prevent and treat diseases affecting the nervous system such as paralysis and mental/emotional conditions.
Neem has a strong anti-detox quality and promotes tissue healing. Should be used in extreme vata aggravations (ie severe fatigue or emaciation). In a medicated oil, it is one of the best healing and disinfectant agents for skin diseases, and anti-inflammatory agent for joint and muscle pain.
