Neem, also known as Azadirachta indica, nimtree or Indian lilac, is a fast-growing tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta. It is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is typically grown in tropical and semitropical regions. Neem trees also grow on islands of Southern Iran.
Description Of Neem Tree
Neem is a fast-growing tree that usually reaches a height of 15-20 m, and under very favourable conditions up to approximately 30-35 m. As a rule, it is an evergreen tree, but under extreme circumstances, such as extended dry periods, it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves.
The branches spread widely. The fairly dense crown is roundish or oval and may reach a diameter of 15-20 m in old freestanding specimens.
The trunk is relatively short, and straight and may reach a girth of 1.5-3.5 m. The bark is hard-fissured or scaly and whitish-grey to reddish-brown. The sapwood is greyish-white and the heartwood is reddish.
The root system consists of a strong taproot and well-developed lateral roots. The lateral surface root may reach over 18m.
The leaves are unpaired, pinnate, 20-30 cm long and the medium to dark green leaflets, which number up to 31, are approximately 3-8 cm long. The terminal leaf is often missing. The petioles are short. The shape of mature leaflets is more or less asymmetric.
The glabrous fruits are olive-like drupes, which vary in shape from elongated oval to nearly roundish. All parts of the tree i.e. leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark have been used traditionally for various ailments.
Phytochemical Composition Of Neem
Neem shows a therapeutic role in health management due to the rich source of various types of bioactive compounds. The most important active constituent is azadirachtin and others are:
- Nimbolinin
- Nimbin
- Nimbidin
- Nimbidol
- Sodium nominate
- Genin
- Salannin
- Quercetin
History Of Traditional Usage Of Neem
As said earlier, almost all parts of the tree are used for medicinal purposes. Let us now have a look at what neem has been used for traditionally before any research came out. Some research works are anchored on these first before trying to prove scientifically the basis of the actions that the parts of this plant exhibit.
The legendary medicinal tree of India has grown with human settlement all over the country and has been an integral part of the Indian way of life for centuries. The history of the tree is inextricably linked to the history of the Indian civilization.
The Neem tree has for a long time been a friend and protector of the Indian villagers. For ages, Indians have trusted this tree to fortify their health and remedy scores of diseases like inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders.
In addition, it has been used for protecting food and stored grains and as a fertilizer and natural pesticide for the fields. For centuries Indians planted this tree in the vicinity of their homes and practised gentle and daily interaction with this extraordinary plant.
For women in particular, the Neem proved an invaluable source of health, hygiene and beauty that was freely available. Having a bath with a decoction of the leaves kept their skin supple and healthy.
The leaf powder or crushed leaves incorporated into their face packs provided emollient and anti-ageing action. The antiseptic properties of the leaf extracts helped in controlling pimples and acne.
In some parts of India, the oil with cotton wick in it is ignited to produce lamp black and when mixed with mustard oil forms a thick paste known as kajal that is applied to line the eyes and make them conspicuous.
Neem oil was believed to prevent baldness and greying of hair and was used as an anti-lice and anti-dandruff treatment. A mixture of equal quantities of neem seed powder, rock salt and alum mixed well was used for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
The leaf extracts have a powerful antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral and anti-bacterial effect. Unlike synthetic chemicals that often produce side effects such as allergic reactions, rashes etc. It has been used for a far wider array of uses than any other tree!
Potential Health Benefits Of Neem
Scientific research into neem is still in its early stages, it shows promise for several aspects of health, including blood sugar management, as well as benefits to the skin, hair, teeth, liver and kidneys.
In all that is to be discussed here, just keep in mind that further human studies are necessary.
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Promotes Hair Health
The seed extract contains azadirachtin, an active compound that may fight parasites that affect hair and skin such as lice. Azadirachtin works by disrupting parasite growth and interfering with reproduction and other cellular processes.
In a study with a neem-based shampoo that was applied and left for 10 minutes in the hair of children with hair lice, the lice were killed while being gentle on the skin.
Neem extract and nimbidin, a compound found in neem oil, may also treat dandruff due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Dandruff and scalp irritation is usually due to fungal buildup on the scalp.
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Improves Dental And Oral Health
Chewing neem bark to promote oral hygiene is a common practice in India. Neem’s antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties may promote oral health.
There is an indication that this herb may relieve pain and help treat gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth decay. It may minimize bacteria’s ability to colonize the surface of the teeth, thus reducing plaque formation.
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Anti-inflammatory
Neem has good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that make it very good in the management or prevention of ailments that predispose the system to oxidative stress. These properties help promote liver and kidney health.
Oxidative stress is caused by a buildup of unstable molecules called free radicals. Although your body produces free radicals as a byproduct of metabolism, external sources increase their presence, especially some medications that are used in treatments like cancer medications, painkillers and antipsychotics; this invariably leads to tissue damage in the liver and kidneys.
It was even seen in one animal study that neem leaf extract reduced liver damage induced by high-dose acetaminophen (Tylenol™, Panadol™) and another study showed that the extracts improved kidney tissue damage caused by chemotherapy medication.
Human studies are needed in all these studies.
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Improves Skin Health
Neem seed oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linoleic acids. These fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that promote healthy skin.
Neem leaves have been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat psoriasis and eczema. It has also been used to treat acne, reduce blemishes and improve skin elasticity. The antibacterial property of the oil is a plus in the treatment of acne.
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Ulcer And Wound Healing
Neem leaf extract was seen to accelerate wound healing through an increased inflammatory response and the formation of new blood vessels.
Topical application of neem oil can completely heal chronic skin ulcers and taking the extract orally can reduce acid secretion in days and almost completely heal the ulcer. More human research is needed.
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Malaria Treatment
Neem contains active compounds called limonoids which were discovered to be as effective as chloroquine in treating malaria fever. Note that it is not widely used for malaria at this time.
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Diabetes Management
Neem leaf extract may be a candidate for new diabetes medication because the extract may help revive cells that produce an insulin-the hormone that helps control blood sugar – and lower blood sugar levels.
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Destroy Cancer Cells
Neem components inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Uncontrolled cancer cell growth and proliferation are the fundamental hallmarks of cancer and play important role in the development of tumours and cancer metastasis. Inhibiting the growth of tumour cells is a common feature of many chemo-preventive and therapeutic agents.
Extracts suppress the proliferation and growth of tumour cells through disruption of cell cycle progression. More studies are needed on this.
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Antifertility Treatment
Neem may immobilize and kill sperm with no long-term consequences therefore it’s being considered as a future alternative to vasectomy (a surgical procedure that sterilizes people with testicles by stopping the release of sperm).
Caution When Using Neem
It is advisable to take precautions when using neem products. The seed extracts are comprised of various fatty acids and about 2% bitters, which are considered toxic. Levels of these bitters differ between products and may be influenced by extraction and storage methods.
Oral Intake
Treat oral intake of any neem product with extreme caution. It can lead to poisoning in infants.
- Excessive neem tea intake has been linked to kidney failure.
- Men that do not want to be sterile should avoid taking neem orally.
- Women that want to conceive or are pregnant should not consume it orally.
Topical Use
It is best to use this herb diluted with other ingredients. Direct application to the skin is not advised as it may result in irritation.
Some Ways You Can Use Neem Leaves
- For wound healing: Make a paste out of the neem leaves and dab it on your wounds or insect bites a few times a day till it heals.
- For dandruff: Boil some leaves till the water turns green, allow it to cool then wash your hair with shampoo before you use the neem water on the hair to rinse.
- For eye issues: Boil some leaves and let the water cool completely and then use to wash the eyes. This helps to relieve irritation, tiredness or redness.
- For skin disorders: Turmeric combined with a paste of neem leaves can also be used for itching, eczema, ringworms and some mild skin diseases.
- For treating that zit: Grind a few leaves, make a paste and apply it daily till the acne dries out. The paste also helps with any kind of eruptions, dark spots and chronic ulcers.
- For treating ear ailments: Blend some leaves and add some honey to them. Use a few drops of this mix to treat any ear boils.
Conclusion
Neem is a unique plant in that all its parts – leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots, and bark- exhibit medicinal properties. Scientific research on the supplement is still in its early stage, hence no dosage information is currently known.
It is best to talk to your healthcare professional if you are considering trying any neem product. This write-up is for educational purposes and is not intended in any way to be used in place of your prescription drug.