Neem Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Wound healing is a natural process by which the skin and the tissues fix themselves after you get injured. Several studies suggest that neem is an effective, natural wound healer. Neem leaves possess compounds such as nimbidin and sodium nimbidate which possess anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiviral properties. These not only help in reducing pain and swelling but also they reduce the chances of further infection at the injury site.

A preclinical study was done to compare the effectiveness of neem with an antiseptic called povidone-iodine which is used in wound healing. Treating the wound with the extract made from neem leaves showed a significant reduction in the size of the wound which was comparable to that of povidone-iodine.

In a clinical study, neem oil was administered topically to 60 subjects with open wounds over a period of 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, there was a 50% decrease in the size of the wound.

Proper hair care is important to maintain the smooth and silky texture of your hair. It also ensures that your scalp is free from dandruff and head lice.  Research reveals that neem can be effective in preventing these problems. A clinical study was done on 28 patients who were treated with a mixture containing neem, shikakai and reetha among other ingredients. The results suggested that this mixture was effective against scalp itching and dandruff. This is attributed to the antifungal properties exhibited by neem oil, neem leaf and other components added to the mixture.

Head lice is a common problem among school children, especially among girls. A clinical study was done to access if shampoos containing neem as a primary ingredient can help wash out head lice. The results showed that neem shampoo was more effective in comparison to chemical based shampoos.

The immune system is the main line of our body’s defence mechanism. It protects the body from various bacteria, fungi, virus and other foreign bodies. A weak immune system can lead to frequent infections and diseases. Research indicates that neem can help strengthen the immune system.

A preclinical study demonstrated that neem extract positively influences the immune responses. in particular, there was a significant increase in the number of lymphocytes and monocytes. Both of these are a type of white blood cells which are responsible for fighting off infectious microbes.

(Read more: Immunity booster foods)

Being exposed to harmful pollutants and infections our skin needs constant care. Improper skin hygiene could make it prone to a number of conditions such as rashes, acne, allergies and psoriasis. Research indicates that neem has active ingredients that could protect the skin from various diseases.

One research suggests that neem oil can be used to prevent acne-causing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes. Neem comprises components such as diterpenes - stigmasterol, triterpenes, nimbidin, margoline and margolonone. These active components are responsible for the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of neem.

Asthma is a chronic condition which causes the airways to become narrow, making it difficult to breathe. This condition is also associated with wheezing and cough. A number of studies indicate that neem can help prevent asthma. According to a study published in the International Archive for Applied Sciences and Technology, neem oil and neem leaves can help treat asthma and prevent cough and phlegm.

Another research revealed that the neem seeds, fruits, roots and bark are effective in treating asthma and has been used in Ayurveda and other traditional medicines for ages. It was further claimed that the antiallergic property of neem is responsible for its effectiveness against asthma.

Research suggests that neem could be used to treat heart conditions such as coronary artery disease and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. It is characterized by a decrease in blood flow to the heart. This may lead to chest pain and shortness of breath.

A preclinical study revealed that neem leaf extract helps increase the blood flow to the heart. The extract also helps decrease the force of the heartbeat (negative inotropic effect) and the rate of the heartbeat (negative chronotropic effect).

(Read more: Heart disease prevention)

Cancer refers to the abnormal growth of body cells. Ranging from serious environmental issues to pollution to adulterated food, there are several reasons why the number of cancer cases continue to increase. Preclinical studies hint that nimbolide, a main component present in neem has potent anticancer and chemopreventive properties. Nimbolide acts by interrupting the cell cycle of the cancer cells thus inhibiting their growth and spread. Nimbolide also causes apoptosis of cancer cells (programmed cell death).

Another research revealed that nimbolide in neem inhibits the growth and spreading of pancreatic cancer cells.

These results show the potential of neem to be used in the preparation of anticancer drugs.

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 them, thereby leading to unwanted pregnancies and unsafe methods of abortion. Preclinical studies suggest that administering neem oil within the uterus induced reversible fertility. This means that the animal models did not show any side effects and their fertility was restored after a few months.

Another in vivo (animal based) study revealed that application of neem oil through the vagina immobilized sperms within seconds.

All of these results show the potential of neem oil as a cost-effective and non-toxic contraceptive that can be made easily available to people who cannot afford expensive contraception methods.

(Read more: Birth control methods)

Gastrointestinal disorders refer to a group of conditions that affect the oesophagus, small and large intestine, and stomach. Common symptoms of these conditions include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, gas and vomiting. Research indicates that neem could be effective in preventing gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcer and hyperacidity.  In vivo (animal based) studies suggest that application of neem extract demonstrated a regeneration of injured stomach ulcer tissues.

According to a review article published in Phytotherapy research, neem is an excellent gastroprotective (protects stomach) and antiulcer agent.

In a clinical study, a group of people suffering from gastrointestinal problems were given 30 to 50 g of neem extracts, two times daily, for a period of 10 weeks. Marked improvement was found in gastric ulcers and hypersecretion of gastric juices.

(Read more: How to improve digestion)

Tooth decay or dental caries refers to the breakdown of tooth structure because of the acids produced by bacteria. Untreated cavities increase the risk of infection which can spread to the gums. Research reveals that the antibacterial properties of neem can help prevent tooth decay and protect the gums and teeth from pathogens. Ethanolic extract from the leaves and sticks of neem have been found to exhibit antibacterial activity against oral pathogens like S. mutans and S. faecalis. 

Neem oil also possesses antibacterial activity and can help prevent the formation of dental plaque, a thin bacterial film that coats the teeth.

Using a toothpaste made out of neem or a neem mouthwash can help prevent gingivitis, a disease that causes inflammation in gums. The antibacterial properties of neem are attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as nimbidin and azadirachtin.