Azadirachta indica (Neem), is a herb widely utilized in Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathic systems of medicine [7] to treat health-related problems and ailments.
Neem is known to exert anti-cancer, antioxidant, wound healing, and anti-microbial properties [5,6,7] is also known to be one of these plants from which almost every part is used, from the Neem oil, extracted from its seeds to the leaves and branches, to say the least, neem benefits extend to various lines of health. Image: See credits under ref. [12] below.
AZADIRACHTA INDICA
Family: Meliaceae
Genus: Azadirachta
Common name: Neem, Indian lilac, Margosa tree
HEALTH BENEFITS OF NEEM
The health benefits of neem are multiple but what can be the secret behind Neem benefits?
As in other herbs, Neem beneficial effects are given by some of its active constituents, some of which the pharmaceutical industry have used as their primary source to build drugs against illnesses as important as cancer, for which already more than 400 active constituents derived from plants and herbs are used.
Herbs as Neem and Ginkgo biloba as well as many other well renown herbs have been in the scope of pharmaceutical companies since long ago, mainly due to the properties and health benefits exerted by some of their active constituents are known to act as health boosters.
NEEM ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS
More than 140 compounds have been isolated from different parts of Melia herb or neem. All parts of the neem tree as:
- leaves,
- flowers,
- seeds,
- fruits,
- roots and
- bark
have been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders.
Among those active constituents, Neem has thirty-one nortriterpenoids, including 28 limonoids and 3 degraded limonoids, and one diterpenoid [3], as well as azadirachtin.
NEEM BENEFITS
ANTI-MICROBIAL AND ANTI-BACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM)
Among all the properties and health benefits exerted by Azadirachta indica (Neem) we shall highlight one, its ability totreat skin and skin related problems, either as part of poly herbal anti-acne face wash gels formulations [1], or part ofanti-microbial preparations against some groups of bacteria as Escherichia coli (E.coli) [2].Azadirachta indica (Neem) by itself doesn't seem to be much different from any other plant from its family and genus, but when we look closer we find some major differences that may indicate why this plant is so different, its active constituents, among which we find thirty-one nortriterpenoids, including 28 limonoids and 3 degraded limonoids, and one diterpenoid [3]. Image right: Neem tree by Wendy Cutler under Creative Common license (CC BY 2.0).
At least one study reported how five of those active constituents found in Melia herb or Azadirachta indica (Neem) showed an important inhibitory effect on the melanogenesis in the B16 melanomacells, with results of 74 to 91% reduction of melanin content at 25 micro G/ml and almost no toxicity to healthy cells[3], with which Neem becomes one of these plants to be noted for the development of new drugs based on the active constituents of this plant.
Neem leaves are responsible for some already mentioned neem benefits, they are known to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycaemic, antiulcer, antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties [5,7], being one of the most active parts of the plant.
ANTI-GINGIVITIS AND ANTI-PLAQUE PROPERTIES OF NEEM
The use of Azadirachta indica (neem) for the treatment of dental ailments as gingivitis, plaque and periodontitis have been reported in India since several decades ago, mainly due to its antisepticproperties and activity [9].
In a study of the subject, forty-five subjects with plaque-induced gingivitis divided into three groups were asked to rinse with 15 ml of mouthwash twice a day.
The study showed that Azadirachta indica (neem) was as effective in reducing periodontitis as Chlorhexidine, reducing significantly gingival bleeding and plaque indices in the non-placebo groups [9].
NEEM FOR CERVICAL CANCER
In, at least, one study on the antioxidant properties of neem (Azadirachta indica) in inducing apoptosis of cervical cancer cells, neem demonstrated to be a potent inducer of apoptosis in biopsies of cervical cancer patients [10].
NEEM BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS
As with any other herbs and plants the use of Neem should follow your doctor's advice. In primates, the use of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed extracts (Praneem) given orally caused abrogation of pregnancy.
In the time following treatment, the animals regained their normal cyclicity in the cycles subsequent to Praneem treatment [1].
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