Neem Oil (Neem ka Tel) Benefits and Side Effects

Inflammation is a condition which is characterized by pain, redness and burning sensation in the affected region. Many anti-inflammatory drugs have side effects. Therefore, a lot of research is going on to find natural and herbal alternatives with anti-inflammatory properties. Current researches indicate that neem seed oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

In a study with animal models, it was found that the anti-inflammatory properties of neem seed oil are due to the presence of phytochemicals such as triterpenes, gallic acid, nimbidin, flavonoids. Catechin. Some polysaccharides in neem oil have also been found to possess anti-inflammatory potential.

(Read more: Inflammatory diseases causes)

Oral care is a major concern among people of all ages. Lack of dental hygiene may lead to the development of plaques. Plaque refers to a smooth, sticky layer on the surface of the teeth that harbours bacteria. When left untreated, it could cause oral diseases like dental caries and gum problems. In ancient times, people chewed neem sticks to prevent oral diseases, as it improves the secretion of saliva and helped control plaque. 

A research done on oral care agents indicated that most of them contain chemicals, which have side effects when used for a long period. On the other hand, the research revealed that neem oil prevented the growth of plaque on teeth surface without mediating any side effects.

Skin is the largest and most important organ in the body and it is responsible for various activities such as preventing the bacteria and viruses from entering the body and protecting the body from the harmful UV rays. However, itis also the most unprotected organ because it is directly exposed to the outside environment. Research indicates that neem oil has potential dermatological (related to the skin) effects that can protect the skin without any side effects. Lotions with neem oil can help protect the skin from ringworms and scabies.

Studies indicate that neem oil contains nimbidiol, nimbidin and nimbin, which are very effective in preventing fungal growth on the human and animal skin. It has further been demonstrated that neem oil has the ability to prevent acne and improve the elasticity of the skin.

(Read more: Fungal infections symptoms)

There are more than 40 million bacteria in the world that are capable of causing various diseases in human beings. some of these bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus that could cause diseases in the blood, pneumonia, bone and joint infections and Salmonella typhosa that causes diseases such as typhoid and food poisoning. In lab trials, neem oil was found to suppress the growth of both these bacteria. However, neem oil has been found to be ineffective against infectious bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Proteus morgasi.

Another research revealed the presence of phytochemicals such as nimbidiol, nimbidin, and diethyl sulfides which are responsible for the antimicrobial properties of neem.

Contraceptives are an effective way of preventing unwanted pregnancies. But the availability and cost of contraception methods in many countries tend to discourage people from using contraception, thereby leading to unwanted pregnancies and unsafe methods of abortion. Research indicates that neem oil is an effective contraceptive. A preclinical study demonstrated that application of neem oil through the vagina has the ability to completely immobilize sperms, preventing them from reaching the egg. The study further suggested that neem oil did not show any side effects Therefore, neem oil could be the most cost-effective, easily available contraceptive that does not affect the fertility of the women.

(Read more: Birth control methods)

Some types of skin cancer are treated by removing the affected area through surgical means. This is commonly known as skin excision. This removal of skin often leaves exposed wounds, which take time to heal and can delay the overall recovery process. The situation becomes particularly complex when it comes to scalp surgeries. Hence it is essential to find a way to faster recovery. In one such attempt, a clinical trial was performed on 9 patients who were recovering from scalp tumour surgery. The wounds of these patients were treated with dressings made from a mixture containing neem oil, .over a period of 4 weeks. The results suggested that neem oil was very simple, safe and effective in treating these wounds.

Lice are parasitic insects that live on the scalp and skin by feeding on human blood. It is commonly seen in school-going children, especially girls and is easily transferred from one person to another. Head lice infestation is usually associated with itching and it is a difficult task to get rid of these insects. Research shows that neem seed oil is effective against lice. It was found that shampoos that have neem oil as a primary component can keep lice egg from hatching, thereby preventing the spread of these insects. The research concluded that neem oil shampoo can completely cure lice just after the first treatment.

Mosquitoes are a highly dreaded insect, not just because they cause skin rashes and itching, but because they spread a variety of diseases. Some of the most common and deadly diseases caused by mosquitoes include dengue, malaria and chikungunya. Studies demonstrate that neem seed oil has a lethal effect on malaria mosquitoes.

N, N-diethyl-3- methylbenzamide (DEET) which is the main ingredient in most mosquito repellents has numerous side effects. The common side effects of DEET include skin rashes and irritation. Studies show that neem oil, on the other hand, as a natural insecticide, does not have any such side effects.

(Read more: How to stop mosquito bites from itching)

Cancer is a serious condition characterised by an abnormal growth of body cells. It can affect any tissue of the body and is primarily treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. These treatments often have side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, skin dryness and blistering. Combined radiation and chemotherapy is often associated with dermatitis. Clinical studies observed that neem oil is useful for reducing dermatitis in such therapies. Additionally, neem oil has been found to induce apoptosis (cell death) in breast cancer cells and inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer.