Neem

HABITAT

Neem is native to India and Burma. It is the state tree of Andhra Pradesh. Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15-20 m, rarely to 35-40 m. It is evergreen but under severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves.

INTRODUCTION

In the world of Ayurveda, neem is a popular medicinal herb that’s been part of traditional remedies that date back almost 5000 years. Also known as Azadirachta Indica in English or ‘Neemba’ in Sanskrit, the neem tree is a really good example of how nature holds both the problem and the cure.

It’s such an effective anti-viral and anti-bacterial, along with being a powerful immuno-stimulant. Murli Manohar, author of the book 'Ayurveda for All: Effective Ayurvedic Self Cure for Common and Chronic Ailments' suggests that the primary purpose of neem leaves is the treatment of vata disorders or neuromuscular pains. Then come the other benefits: purify the blood, prevent damage caused by free radicals in the body, remove toxins, treat insect bites and ulcers. Neem leaves have anti-bacterial properties which is why it works wonders on infections, burns and any kind of skin problems. It destroys the bacteria that causes infections, stimulates the immune system, and encourages rapid healing.

BENEFITS

Useful in Detoxification: Neem can prove useful in detoxification both internally and externally. Consumption of neem leaves or powder stimulates kidneys and liver increasing the metabolism and eliminating the toxins out of the body.

Anti-inflammatory: Neem has an anti-inflammatory property which helps reduces acne. It also helps reduce skin blemishes. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract which helps reduce a series of diseases like constipation, stomach ulcer, flatulence, etc.

Nourishes Skin: Neem is a rich source of Vitamin E which help repair damaged skin cells.

Antifungal & Antibacterial: Neem has scientifically proven antifungal property which helps treat fungal infections. Neem is extensively used in shampoos and conditioners for its antifungal and antibacterial properties which help eliminate dandruff and strengths hair.

Increases Immunity: Neem’s antimicrobial and antibacterial properties play a huge role in boosting immunity.

Antiseptic: Neem’s antiseptic helps to heal the wounds.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Neem (Azadirachta indica) plants parts shows antimicrobial role through inhibitory effect on microbial growth/potentiality of cell wall breakdown. Neem plays role as free radical scavenging properties due to rich source of antioxidant. Azadirachtin and nimbolide showed concentration-dependent antiradical scavenging activity. Neem ingredient shows effective role in the management of cancer through the regulation of cell signalling pathways. Neem modulates the activity of various tumour suppressor genes. Neem also plays role as anti-inflammatory via regulation of proinflammatory enzyme activities including cyclooxygenase (COX), and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme.

CLINICAL STUDIES & REFERENCES

Okpanyi S. N., Ezeukwu G. C. Anti-inflamatory and antipyretic activities of Azadirachta indica. Planta Medica. 1996;41(1):34–39.
Pai M. R., Acharya L. D., Udupa N. Evaluation of antiplaque activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extract gel—a 6-week clinical study. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2004;90(1):99–103. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2003.09.035.
Mordue (Luntz) A. J., Nisbet A. J. Azadirachtin from the neem tree Azadirachta indica: its action against insects. Anais da Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil. 2000;29(4):615–632. doi: 10.1590/s0301-80592000000400001.
Sarmiento W. C., Maramba C. C., Gonzales M. L. M. An in vitro study on the antibacterial effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts on methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus . PIDSP Journal. 2011;12(1):40–45.
Hossain M. A., Al-Toubi W. A. S., Weli A. M., Al-Riyami Q. A., Al-Sabahi J. N. Identification and characterization of chemical compounds in different crude extracts from leaves of Omani neem. Journal of Taibah University for Science. 2013;7(4):181–188. doi: 10.1016/j.jtusci.2013.05.003.