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Neem: An Ancient Cure
for a Modern World
by
Julia Cornborough
The Neem tree (Azadirachta
indica A. Juss.) has been known as the wonder tree for
centuries in the Indian subcontinent. It has become important in the
global context today because it offers answers to the major concerns
facing mankind.
About the Author
Julia Thornborough, BSc, MRQA, MNBPA, TIDHA is a Clinical
Aromatherapist. She trained in aromatherapy at the Tisserand
Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in London. As well as having a
private practice in Dorset, she teaches aromatherapy for use at home
for the Holiday Property Bond and also conducts courses for care
staff in residential homes for the elderly. Her particular interest
of research is the use of aromatherapy in immune related disease.
She can be contacted at Linden Lea, 16 Linden Road, Swanage, Dorset,
BH19 1JH
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Leaves of the Neem help in the
treatment of neuromuscular pains and neutralise free radicals |
The Neem tree (Azadirachta
indica A. Juss.) has been known as the wonder tree for
centuries in the Indian subcontinent. It has become important in
the global context today because it offers answers to the major
concerns facing mankind.
The history of the Neem tree is inextricably linked to the
history of the Indian way of life. Although the antiquity of Neem
is shrouded in the mists of time, this evergreen robust looking
tree has long been cherished as a symbol of health in the country
of its origin. It has, for a very long time, been a friend and
protector of the Indian villager. Brihat Samhita, an ancient Hindu
treatise, contains a chapter of verses on plant medicines. It
contains recommendations for specific trees to be planted in the
vicinity of one’s house. Neem was highly recommended.
The Tree
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Neem is a medium sized to large tree characterised by its short
straight trunk, furrowed dark brown to grey bark, and dense rounded
crowns of pinnate leaves. Native to India, Neem is widely planted
and naturalised in semiarid areas throughout Asia and Africa. Neem
is an evergreen of the tropics and sub-tropics. It belongs to the
family Meliaccae and is a cousin of the Chinaberry. With an
extensive and deep root system, the hardy Neem can grow
luxuriantly even in marginal and leached soils, and
thrives up to an elevation of 1500m. The Neem flowers
profusely between February and May. |
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The honey-scented white flowers, found in clusters, are
a good source of nectar for bees. Neem fruits are green
drupes which turn golden yellow on ripening in the
months of June, July and August, in India. The kernels
have about 45% oil. The termite resistant Neem timber is
used as a building material, and in making furniture and
farm implements. The bark yields tannin and gum. The
amber hued gum is used as a dye in textiles and in
traditional medicines. |
Medical Properties
The medical properties of Neem have been known to Indians since
time immemorial. The earliest Sanskrit medical writings refer to the
benefits of Neem’s fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and bark. Each
has been used in the Indian Ayurvedic and Unani systems of
medicines, and is now being used in the manufacture of modern day
medicinals, cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals.
Neem fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, bark and roots have such uses
as general antiseptics, antimicrobials, treatment of urinary
disorders, diarrhoea, fever and bronchitis, skin diseases, septic
sores, infected burns, hypertension and inflammatory diseases. This
is mainly due to the chemical constituents which enable Neem to
protect itself from a multitude of pests by a substantial number of
pesticidal ingredients. Its main chemical composition is a blend of
3 to 4 related compounds along with over 20 lesser ones, which are
equally as active. The general class of these compounds is
triterpenes and within this category, the most effective are the
limonoids, which are abundant in Neem oil. At least nine limonoids
are effective in inhibiting insect growth, especially some of the
most deadly varieties found in human health and agriculture
worldwide. Of these limonoids, azadirachitin has been found to be
the main ingredient for fighting insects and pests, being up to 90%
effective in most instances. It repels and disrupts the life cycle,
however does not kill immediately, but is nonetheless one of the
most effective growth and feeding deterrents ever examined.
Meliantriol is another feeding inhibitor which prevents locusts
chewing, and has therefore been in traditional use in India for crop
protection. Nimbin and nimbidin, also found in Neem, have anti-viral
properties and these have been effective in inhibiting fungal growth
on humans and animals. Gedunin, a lesser limonoid, is effective in
treating malaria through teas and infusion of the leaves.
Fungicides
Neem has proved effective against certain fungi that infect the
human body. Such fungi are an increasing problem and have been
difficult to control by synthetic fungicides. For example, in one
laboratory study, conducted by Khan and Wassilew – 1987, Neem
preparations showed toxicity to cultures of 14 common fungi,
including members of the following genera:
•
Trichophyton – an ‘athlete’s foot’ fungus that infects hair, skin
and nails;
•
Epidermophyton – a ‘ringworm’ that invades both skin and nails of
the feet;
•
Microsporum – a ‘ringworm’ that invades hair, skin and (rarely)
nails;
•
Trichosporon – a fungus of the intestinal tract;
•
Geotrichum – a yeast like fungus that causes infections of the
bronchi, lungs and mucous membranes;
•
Candida – a yeast-like fungus that is part of the normal flora but
can get out of control, leading to lesions in mouth (thrush),
vagina, skin, hands and lungs.
Components of the Neem tree and
their uses
Bark
The bark is cool, bitter, astringent, acrid and refrigerant. It
is useful in tiredness, cough, fever, loss of appetite, worm
infestations. It heals wounds and is also used in vomiting, skin
diseases and excessive thirst. Twigs have been used as a
‘toothbrush’ and for dental care, since antiquity. Neem toothpaste
has been on sale in the US and Germany for some time, and is now
available here.
Leaves
According to Ayurveda, Neem leaves help in the treatment of
Vatik disorders (neuromuscular pains). Neem leaves are also reported
to remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free
radicals in the body by neutralising them.
A paste made with leaves is used in India for the cure of chicken
pox, smallpox and warts. A poultice is effective for boils, ulcers
and eczema.
Fruits
Neem fruits are bitter, purgative, antihemorrhodial and
anthelmintic (vermifuge) in nature.
Flowers
The flowers are used in vitiated conditions of pitta (balancing
of the body heat) and kapha (cough formation). They are astringent,
anthelmintic and non toxic.
Seeds
Neem seeds are also described as anthelmintic, antileprotic
(cures or prevents leprosy) and antipoisonous. Seeds, along with
leaves and dry Neem cake, are an active ingredient in mosquito
coils.
Oil
Neem oil, derived from crushing the seeds, is antidermatonic, a
powerful vermifuge and is bitter in taste. It has a wide spectrum of
action and is highly medicinal in nature. As an oil used in
aromatherapy, it has been effective in the treatment of head lice in
children, especially where tea tree has failed to clear up the
condition. This was particularly noticeable on an outbreak of head
lice, two years ago, at a school local to my practice, where I
treated several children. Those with blonde to reddish hair had
their head lice condition cleared up much quicker with Neem oil
applied at a 3% dilution to a shampoo base, than with tea tree.
Specific uses of Neem
Skin Conditions
Neem has an almost magical effect on chronic skin conditions
that fail to respond to conventional treatments. Acne, psoriasis,
eczema, and ringworm are conditions that are effectively treated by
a Neem preparation.
Hair
and Nails
Scalp conditions like dandruff, scaling and even hair loss
improve with Neem products. Yellow or brittle nails, caused by the
presence of yeast or fungi, are normalised by the use of Neem.
Teeth
and Gums
Neem mouth rinse is very effective in the treatment of
infections, tooth decay, bleeding and sore gums. A mouthwash, using
Neem oil, has been used at my
practice for the treatment of mouth ulcers.
Fungi,
Parasites and Viruses
Stringent laboratory condition tests have proved the efficacy
of Neem in destroying fungi, parasites and viruses without killing
off beneficial intestinal flora. It is very effective in the
treatment of Athletes’ Foot, thrush, candida infestations and
herpes.
Diabetes
Neem has been found to reduce insulin requirements by up to 50%
for diabetics, without altering blood glucose levels.
Heart
and Blood
A recent study showed that a Neem treatment lowered high
cholesterol levels. It has also been tested, with good results, for
other heart conditions.
Insects
Neem is a very effective insect repellent, without being toxic
to pets and humans.
AIDS
and Cancer
Tests are currently being carried out, with encouraging
results. During the course of the freedom movement in India,
led by Mahatma Gandhi, there was an upsurge of the ‘Swadeshi’ or
nationalistic sentiment. This led to a move to encourage ‘Swadeshi’
science. Neem research in India was part of this movement.
Pioneering work on the possible commercial use of Neem oil and cake
was done by the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore during the
1920s.
Mahatma Gandhi kept the tradition of Neem alive, and is known
to have been a firm believer in the goodness of Neem. Dr Ekaid
informed Gandhi that laboratory experiments revealed that Neem
leaves contain more nutritious elements than any other similar
vegetation that has been subjected to chemical analysis earlier. A
Neem leaf chutney was a part of Gandhi’s everyday diet. A
nutraceutical tea, now being manufactured, would surely have been
Gandhi’s favourite beverage.
Physico-composition of Fresh Neem
Leaves: Neem Tea and its Uses
Tender leaves, along with black pepper, are effective in
intestinal helminthiasis (parasitic infections).
An aqueous extract of tender leaves has been found to possess
antiviral properties against vaccinia (viral disease in cattle),
variola (smallpox), fowl pox and New Castle diseases.
Fresh mature leaves, along with the seeds of
Psoralea corglifolia and
Cicer arietinum are effective in
leucoderma.
Studies on plasma clotting time using Russell’s viper venom
have proved that the leaf extract contains a clotting inhibitor,
justifying its use in the treatment of poisonous bites.
Animal-based experiments have shown that total extract of Neem
leaves is a potent hepatoprotective agent.
Water extract of Neem leaves shows significant antiulcer
activity and reduction in severity of gastric damage, and prevents
most cell degranulation and mucus depletion.
The phosphate buffer, ether and alcoholic extracts of the
leaves inhibit the activity of the micro-organism
Micrococcus pyrogenes var. aureus.
The essential oil possesses anti-bacterial activity. It inhibits the
growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
Salmonella paratyphi,
Salmonelbtyphi,
Vibrio cholera Pacini and
Klebsiella pneumonia (Schroter)
Trevisan (organisms which cause
typhoid, cholera and pneumonia.
Chewing fresh Neem leaves acts as a sedative and relaxant.
The Future with Neem
Poverty
Today’s exploding growth in human population is seriously
depleting the world’s natural reserves and economic resources.
Unless the run-away human population growth rate is slowed down,
there would be little hope for raising everyone out of poverty in
the developing world. Besides educational constraints, the
non-availability of inexpensive methods of contraception, which do
not cause trauma or aesthetic, cultural, and religious sensitivities
of people, limit the success of birth regulation programmes.
However, recent findings indicate that some Neem derivatives may
serve as affordable and widely available contraceptives. A recent
controlled study in the Indian army proved the efficacy of Neem as a
contraceptive.
According to a recent report by the Washington based
International Food Policy Research Institute, by 2020, the world
will be an even more unfair place than it is at present, with food
surpluses in the industrialised world and with chronic instability
and food shortages in the south, particularly in African countries.
The US Academy of Sciences currently attaches very high
importance to the Neem tree. The United Nations declared Neem as the
“Tree of the 21st Century”.
Bioactivity
Search for environmentally safe pesticides received an impetus
in early 1960s following the publication of Silent Spring by Rachel
Carson in 1962. It was around this period that Indian scientists
reported the feeding deterrent property of Neem seed kernel
suspension against desert locust. Subsequently, several bioactive
ingredients were isolated from various parts of the tree, more
notable being the isolation of meliantriol and azadirachtin. These
findings aroused world-wide interest in the bioactivity of the Neem
tree.
The Neem seems to be a virtual designer tree – tailor-made for
combating the serious problems confronting mankind today. The
information being generated on it in the modern format of science
continues to confirm all the ancient claims. Its mammalian safety
and environmental friendliness reports are highly encouraging. Its
bioactivity spectrum against the harmful organisms is ever
increasing.
Neem is now widely used in America in fields ranging from
pharmaceutical, health and beauty, pet care, pesticides and
insecticides, and agriculture, while health and beauty and
pharmaceutical products are available in Austria and Germany.
Neem products are also available in the UK and a nutraceutical
tea is the newest product to come on the market.
A key advantage to using Neem, as opposed to some medical
treatments and other herbs, is its compliance with the first tenet
of the Hippocratic Oath taken by all physicians: “First, cause no
harm.” Over thousands of years, Neem has been used by hundreds of
millions of people and no hazards have been documented for normal
dosages. Only at very high levels may Neem be toxic, something each
of us understands can be true of anything taken internally.
References
Edeinya
I. Anti-malarial activity of Nigerian Neem leaves.
Trans Royal Soc Tropical Medicine.
87(4): 471. 1993.
Keimat G. Dental care compositions from Azadirachta indica.
Ger Appli P.
20(38): 827.6. 1970
Charles V and Charles S. The use and efficacy of Azadirachta indica
ADR and Curuma longa in scabies. Trop
Geogr Med. 44(1-2):
178-81. 1992.
Khan M and Wassilew SW. The effect of raw material from the Neem
tree, Neem oil, and Neem extracts on fungi pathogenic to humans. in
Schmutterer and Ascher. Natural Pesticides from the Neem Tree and
other Tropical Plants. International Neem Conference. Nairobi,
Kenya. pp645-650. 1987.
Koul O, Isman M and Ketkar C. Properties and uses of Neem,
Azadirachta indica. Can J Bot.
68: 1-11. 1989.
Saxena RC. Insecticides from Neem. in Arnason et al.
Insecticides of Plant Origin.
ACS Symp. Sere. 387, American Chemical Society. Washington DC.
pp110-135. 1989.
Schmutterer H. Properties and potential of natural pesticides from
the Neem tree, Azadirachta indica.
Ann Rev Entomol. 35:
271-279. 1990.
Vietmeyer N. Neem, A Tree for Solving
Global Problems. National Academy Press. Washington DC. 1992.
Neem America makes no claims about neem and its uses. This article
should only be used for informational purposes. |
