Long prized in Ayurvedic medicine, neem (Azadirachta indica) grows abundantly throughout India, Sri Lanka, and Burma. Because of its many and varied traditional uses, the tree has been termed "the village pharmacy" of South Asia-and now people worldwide have taken note of its antibacterial action, among other promising uses.
Brush Up
Everyone wants healthy teeth and gums, and new indications that chronic low-grade infections (such as gingivitis) are linked to heart disease make good oral care all the more urgent. The neem tree is a source for natural, antiseptic tooth and gum protection. In India, twigs taken directly from the tree are widely used as toothbrushes and tongue scrapers.
A recent study compared the effects of neem extract gel to a conventional medicinal mouthwash and placebo in 36 volunteers. After both three and six weeks the neem group showed a significantly lower mean plaque index than the mouthwash and placebo groups. Moreover, oral bacteria levels decreased most among those who used neem, leading study authors to suggest the use of neem extract to help fight gingivitis and oral infections.
Skin Benefits
Neem's antiseptic properties can also support the health of the body's largest organ: the skin. Topical products containing neem may be useful for a range of conditions, including acne, dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis.
Creams and oils with this botanical help keep nails in top shape. Neem oil soothes and repairs cuticles-and discourages the fungus that can thicken and discolor fingernails and toenails.
Lice Solution
If dandruff is a scalp annoyance, head lice is a full-blown problem, especially for little ones and their families. Herbalist James A. Duke, PhD, notes that neem is an effective lice killer and a nontoxic alternative to conventional lice treatments. Neem "leaves and seed oil contain compounds that appear to be active against many insect pests," adds Dr. Duke.
This year an Egyptian study looked at the effects of a neem seed extract shampoo on 60 lice-infested children. The herbal shampoo proved "highly effective against all stages of head lice," with no adverse effects reported.
Disease Fighter
One of the most exciting applications of neem worldwide lies in its ability to combat malaria. A disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and spread by mosquito bites, malaria strikes up to 500 million people each year and causes more than 1 million deaths, most of them children in sub-Saharan Africa. The parasite's increasing resistance to conventional medications has world health experts looking for effective alternatives. Neem may fit the bill.
Howard University researchers recently tested the antimalarial activity of neem leaf extract against multiple strains of Plasmodium parasites, including a drug-resistant strain. The herbal extract was effective in in vitro tests. Assuming the positive outcome of in vivo research, conclude the scientists, "Neem-leaf fractions may form the basis of new antimalarial drugs."
"Efficacy of Neem Seed Extract Shampoo on Head Lice of Naturally Infected Humans in Egypt" by F. Abdel-Ghaffar and M. Semmler, Parasitol Res, 1/07 "Fractions of an Antimalarial Neem-leaf Extract Have Activities Superior to Chloroquine and Are Gametocytocidal" by I. J. Udeinya et al., Ann Trop Med Parasitol, 1/06 The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook by James A. Duke, PhD, ($6.99, St. Martin's, 2000) "Medicinal Properties of Neem Leaves: A Review" by R. Subapriya and S. Nagini, Curr Med Chem Anticancer Agents, 3/05 "Neem: India's Tree of Life" by Anna Horsbrugh Porter, BBC News, 4/17/06 "Neem Shows Antiplaque Activity in Clinical Study" by Heather S. Oliff, PhD, HerbClip, 1/14/05
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