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What is Neem?
Neem, scientifically known as Azadirachta indica, is a tree belonging to the Meliaceae family. It is widely recognized for its diverse range of bioactive compounds, which have been utilized in various traditional and modern medicinal practices. Neem is often referred to as a “wonder tree” due to its extensive therapeutic properties and applications in agriculture, medicine, and environmental management. Other names include: Antelaea azadirachta, Arishta, Arishtha, Azadirachta indica, Bead Tree, Holy Tree, Huile de Neem, Indian Lilac, Indian Neem, Lilas des Indes, Lilas de Perse, Margosa, Margosa Tree, Margousier, Margousier à Feuilles de Frêne, Margousier d’Inde, Melia azadirachta, Neem Oil, Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta, Nim, Nimb, Nimba, Persian Lilac, Pride of China.
Medicinal Properties
Neem has been extensively studied for its medicinal properties, which include anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antidiabetic effects. For instance, a clinical study demonstrated that an aqueous extract of neem leaves and twigs significantly improved glycemic control, endothelial function, and reduced systemic inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus1. Another study highlighted neem’s potential in improving metabolic parameters in subjects with metabolic syndrome, showing dose-dependent improvements in fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, insulin resistance, and hemoglobin A1c levels2.
Antiviral and Antibacterial Effects
Neem’s antiviral properties have been explored in the context of COVID-19. A pilot study found that neem capsules reduced the risk of COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers and relatives of COVID-19 patients, suggesting its potential as a prophylactic treatment3. Additionally, neem has been compared to sodium hypochlorite as a root canal irrigant, showing similar efficacy in reducing postoperative pain and endotoxin levels in dental treatments4.
Agricultural Applications
Neem is also valued in agriculture for its insecticidal properties. Studies have shown that neem extracts can effectively control pests such as aphids and the Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus in cowpea plants, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides9. Another study demonstrated the insecticidal effect of neem on Costalimaita ferruginea in eucalyptus, with a 60% neem concentration resulting in 100% mortality of the pests8.
Environmental Impact
Neem’s environmental benefits extend to reducing methane emissions in livestock. Research has indicated that neem seed oil supplementation in cattle feed can reduce ruminal methane production, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions5.
Safety and Toxicity
While neem is generally considered safe, its long-term effects on organ function have been studied. For example, an investigation into the ethanolic extract of neem leaves found no significant impact on liver and kidney function in rats, although prolonged administration did cause some histological changes in these organs6 7. This underscores the importance of comprehensive safety evaluations for neem-based products.
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🩸Does neem improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?
🦷Is neem effective as a root canal irrigant compared to sodium hypochlorite?
Uses of Neem
Glycemic Control and Metabolic Health
Neem extract improves glycemic control, reduces fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, insulin resistance, and HbA1c levels in subjects with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus1 5.
It also enhances endothelial function and reduces markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in these patients1 5.
Oral Health
Neem-based mouth gels and rinses are effective in reducing plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding indices, showing comparable efficacy to chlorhexidine with fewer side effects2 6.
Cancer Treatment
Neem leaf extract inhibits mammary carcinogenesis by altering cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, demonstrating potent anticancer effects in rat models4.
Cardiovascular Health
Neem leaf ethanolic extract reduces aortic wall thickening and lumen narrowing in rats induced by high-fat feed, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health7.
COVID-19 Prophylaxis
Neem capsules reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in high-risk individuals, showing potential as a prophylactic treatment3.
Root Canal Treatment
Neem as a root canal irrigant reduces postoperative pain and endotoxin levels in mandibular molars with necrotic pulps, showing similar efficacy to sodium hypochlorite8.
Liver and Kidney Function
Neem leaf ethanolic extract does not adversely affect liver and kidney function in rats, indicating its safety for these organs9.
Growth Promotion in Poultry
Neem fruit powder can be used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens, although it may not be as effective as traditional antibiotics in increasing body weight10.
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📚Is neem safe for liver and kidney function based on preclinical studies?
💗Does neem leaf extract help in reducing cardiovascular risks related to high-fat diets?
Adverse Effects of Neem
Reproductive Toxicity
Neem seeds cause significant reproductive toxicity in male quail, including reduced seminal quality, decreased testicle size, and degeneration of germinal epithelial cells2.
Hepatotoxicity
Neem extract can mitigate erythromycin-induced liver damage, but it does not completely prevent hepatotoxicity when combined with aluminum phosphide, indicating potential liver-related adverse effects4 7.
Impact on Ruminal Fermentation
Neem seed oil supplementation in animal feed can lead to adverse effects on fiber degradability and ruminal fermentation characteristics, despite some beneficial effects on methane reduction3.
Minimal Adverse Effects in Human Trials
In a clinical trial for COVID-19 prophylaxis, neem capsules showed minimal treatment-emergent adverse events, which were mild (grade 1 or 2)5.
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✨What are the adverse effects of neem?
How has Neem Improved Patient Outcomes?
Glycemic Control and Insulin Resistance
Neem significantly reduces postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and insulin resistance (IR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS)1 4.
Neem supplementation improves endothelial function and reduces systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in T2DM and MetS patients1 4.
COVID-19 Prophylaxis
Neem capsules reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection among high-risk individuals, demonstrating a relative risk reduction of 55% compared to placebo2.
Dental Health
Neem as a root canal irrigant reduces postoperative pain and endotoxin levels in mandibular molars with necrotic pulps, showing comparable efficacy to 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)3.
Neem chips used as a local drug delivery agent in periodontal therapy significantly improve clinical parameters such as plaque index, papillary bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and relative attachment level5.
Wound Healing
Neem extract irrigation promotes wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers, showing significant reduction in wound surface area compared to normal saline irrigation7.
Lipid Profile
Neem extract reduces blood glucose levels and improves lipid profiles, including reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides, in diabetic mice6.
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💆🏻♀️How has neem improved patient outcomes?
😷Can neem capsules reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in high-risk individuals?
Neem Mechanisms of Action
Antimicrobial and Antiparasitic Activity
Neem oil exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties, which can modulate rumen fermentation and reduce methane production in livestock1 3. It also shows acaricidal action against mites in mice, promoting hair recovery and reducing mite infestation7.
Antidiabetic and Metabolic Effects
Neem extracts significantly improve glycemic control by reducing fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and insulin resistance (IR) in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS)2 8. These effects are accompanied by improvements in endothelial function and reductions in systemic inflammation and oxidative stress2 8.
Anthelmintic Activity
Neem leaves have been tested for their anthelmintic properties in sheep, although the results indicated limited effectiveness in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes5.
Growth and Immune Modulation in Poultry
Neem fruit powder, used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens, affects growth performance and immune responses. However, it may not be as effective as traditional antibiotics in promoting growth4.
Insecticidal and Growth Disruptant Effects
Neem products like Azatin and Nim 80 show biological activity against insect larvae, causing direct toxicity and growth disruption, particularly at higher concentrations6.
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🗜️What is neem mechanism of action?
Disclaimer
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