Neem

Neem, or Azadirachta Indica, possesses high medicinal value owing to the number of bioactive compounds and nutrients present in the same. It is available in the form of oil, tablets, and capsules. This tree belongs to the mahogany family, Meliaceae. Neem is native to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. It grows widely in the in tropical and sub-tropical regions. 

It has been used traditionally in the ancient system of Indian medicine, Ayurveda, for the treatment and prevention of a range of disorders. The nutritional value of this herb along with its health benefits, side effects, and the recommended dosage are discussed beneath. 

Nutritional value of Neem 

Neem possesses a high amount of protective antioxidants. It also provides a rich source of fatty acids including linoleic acid and oleic acid that help to rejuvenate the skin and hair. Neem is particularly known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also contains 50 volatile oils, including terpenes. The nutrients present in Neem are as follows:

• Potassium: 12.4%
• Calcium: 32.8%
• Magnesium: 25%
• Sodium: 23.7%
• Phosphorous: 17.24%
• Nitrogen: 20%

These values are based on the daily recommended allowance recommended by the WHO. The ORAC value of Neem Bark is 476 while the same of Neem Leaf and Neem Oil are 357.00 and 430.06 respectively. These values indicate the intense ability of this herb to protect your body against the free radical damage. 

What are the health benefits of Neem? 

Diabetes

Neem can help you to manage your blood sugar levels more effectively by reducing the demands of the body for insulin. 

The chemical components in Neem such as linoleic acid and oleic acid optimize the functions of the insulin receptors and ensure your body is receiving an appropriate amount of insulin, thus protecting you against the development of diabetes.

Wound Healing  

The oil obtained from the Neem extract can be applied on the wounds to assist in their faster healing. The wound healing properties of this herb help in repairing the damaged tissues in a shorter period of time. 

This herb promotes the wound healing activity significantly in the incision as well as excision wound models. 

It improves the tensile strength of the damaged tissues in the incision models. The wound healing action of Neem is enhanced by its ability to regulate the inflammatory response and the process of neovascularization. 

Viral infection 

Neem produces a strong antiviral activity and blocks the entry of HSV-1 into the cells thus protecting against the herpes simplex virus infection. 

Neem also produces a strong virucidal activity against the coxsackievirus virus and helps the patients recover faster. You can consume Neem tablets or capsules to obtain relief from the symptoms of viral infection. 

Bacterial infections 

Neem possesses antibacterial compounds, which help to reduce their risk of bacterial infections. It protects the skin against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria thus preventing complications at the surgical site due to the infections. 

You can take Neem in the form of tablets or capsules to clear the bacterial infections. In the case of bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia, a slightly warm Neem oil can be applied on the chest. 

Gastritis ( please mention the way of taking neem)

You can use Neem to obtain relief from the symptoms of Gastritis such as abdominal pain, sour eructations, nausea, heartburn, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. Neem extract also produces an anti-secretory effect on the stomach and controls the secretion of gastric acid. 

It also reduces the pepsin activity in the stomach by 50% thus reducing the risk of the complications of Gastritis such as peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. Regular consumption on Neem capsules and tablets can help to control this condition effectively. 

Liver disorders 

Neem produces a hepatoprotective effect that can help in the management of several liver disorders. It is beneficial in protecting the liver against the damage caused by the use of some drugs such as paracetamol and anti-tubercular medications. 

Azadirachtin-A, an active constituent of Neem has the ability to protect the liver against acute and chronic liver diseases including hepatocellular necrosis. 

Use of Neem tablets and capsules can also help to regulate levels of bilirubin, proteins, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase by blocking any histological changes in the liver tissue. 

Cancer 

The use of Neem is highly recommended for the patients diagnosed with cancer. This herb has been found to possess chemo-preventive potential that can prevent carcinogenesis and thus, help in the management of cancer. 

Neem can induce a strong phase-II enzyme activity that results in the detoxification of carcinogens in the various organs of the body. Neem can help to detoxify the toxins and carcinogenic agents having the potential to trigger the spread or development of cancer. 

It can also cause a significant rise in the activity of antioxidant enzymes like hepatic glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in your body thus improving your chances of faster recovery. 

Patients suffering from cancer should take Neem in the form of capsules or tablets. They should continue using it even after they have recovered from cancer to minimize the risk of relapse in the future.  

Leukemia 

Neem can also help the patients suffering from leukaemia. It possesses pharmacological properties that help in the prevention and treatment of this condition. 

The Neem extract can also induce apoptosis of the abnormal leukemia cells by preventing the NF-κB pathways and causing the stimulation of the apoptotic cell death. 

 The use of Neem capsules or tablets can help to block the NF-κB activity and regulate the natural anticancer mechanisms of the body such as apoptotic cell death and pro-inflammatory cell-signaling mechanisms. These effects of Neem can contribute to the faster recovery of patients suffering from leukemia. 

Immunological diseases

Neem can be used in the management of immunological diseases such as allergies and autoimmune disorders. It regulates the heightened response of the body when it comes in contact with any allergen thus preventing the attacks of allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. 

Azadirachtin present in this herb can interact with the tumor necrosis factor and its receptors thus inhibiting the biological responses induced by the same. This helps to prevent the development and progression of autoimmune disorders. 

Neem can be used in the form of tablets and capsules on the regular basis to control these disorders. Patients can also apply neem oil on the affected parts of the skin or on the nose, chest, and throat in the case of Allergic rhinitis and asthma. 

Skin diseases 

Neem produces a remarkable effect on the skin. It can rejuvenate the skin and make it appears youthful, vibrant, and glowing. 

It can be used to treat several skin diseases including acne, psoriasis, ringworm, eczema, and even the stubborn warts. 

Application of Neem on the affected parts of the skin is the best way to control these problems. For better and faster results, the treatment can be combined with the oral tablets or capsules. 

Hair loss 

Neem can also help you to get rid of hair fall and the resulting dandruff. The antibacterial and anti fungal properties of this herb prevent the infections of the skin of the scalp and the hair roots thus preventing the damage that could cause breakage of the hairs. 

To use, warm the Neem oil slightly and apply it on the hair roots and the scalp. Massage for a few minutes and leave it for at least half an hour. Then, wash it off with a mild shampoo and water. 

It also keeps the scalp and hair roots well hydrated and eliminates dandruff while strengthening the hair follicles. 

Insecticide and pesticide

Neem is commonly used as an insecticide and pesticide. The strong smelling essential oils present in this herb help to protect it from the attacks of insects and pests. 

You can simply spray Neem oil on your crops or plants in your personal garden. It does not kill the insects but prevents them from eating the leaves and destroying the crops you have planted and grown with great efforts.  

How to use Neem?

Neem is available in the forms of a powder as well as oil. You can consume the power in the recommended dose. 

The neem oil possesses antiviral, antibacterial, and soothing properties. It also acts as a mosquito repellent. You can apply Neem oil on your skin to soothe the skin rashes and itching. You may apply it while stepping out of the home to protect yourself from mosquito bites. 

What are the side effects of Neem? 

Neem can lower your blood sugar levels. Though this effect of Neem is beneficial for the patients suffering from diabetes, caution must be exercised if you are already taking medications for this disease. 

The blood sugar lowering effect of Neem together with the similar effect produced by the antidiabetic drugs can lead to a sudden drop in your blood sugar levels using unconsciousness or fainting. 

Similarly, neem can also lower the blood pressure, which is why it is used for treating hypertension. But, if you are using antihypertensive drugs, it’s best to use Neem in a lower dose to avoid a sharp drop in the blood pressure. 

Neem may produce an allergic reaction in some patients causing skin rashes, itching, and redness of the skin. 

Neem may increase the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. Hence, the use of this herb should be avoided by the pregnant women as well as those who are planning to conceive.