A tree long revered in traditional medicine is attracting growing attention from scientists for its potential role in fighting infections, chronic illness and even cancer.
Azadirachta indica – better known as neem – has been used for centuries in South Asia’s Ayurvedic and Unani systems of healing.
Now, researchers are increasingly validating its therapeutic claims in laboratories and clinical settings.
Native to the Indian subcontinent but cultivated widely across Africa, the Americas and Southeast Asia, neem is a hardy evergreen that can live for decades.
- Chronic cannabis use linked to cardiovascular risks
- Mediterranean Diet and 7 Day Meal Plan
- Red Light Therapy: What is it, Uses, Benefits, Risks, Contraindications
Its leaves, bark, seeds and oil are packed with bioactive compounds including azadirachtin, nimbin and quercetin.
These chemicals give neem its diverse profile: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal and antioxidant.
Recent studies suggest neem extracts can inhibit bacterial growth, with activity reported against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Neem-derived nanoparticles have also shown promise against drug-resistant pathogens – a pressing challenge in global health.
Beyond bacteria, neem appears to have antiviral effects. Laboratory tests have found extracts block the entry of herpes viruses into host cells, with similar activity seen against influenza and even SARS-CoV-2.
In dentistry, neem-based rinses have been shown to reduce plaque and gum inflammation as effectively as chlorhexidine, a widely used antiseptic.
Anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties add further weight to its reputation. Experimental work suggests neem compounds can suppress inflammatory pathways linked with arthritis and autoimmune disease.
On the skin, neem oil and gels have been used to treat acne, eczema and psoriasis, with clinical trials reporting marked reductions in acne lesions.
- Type 2 diabetes risk increased by drinking artificially sweetened soft drink
- French fries linked to 20% higher type 2 diabetes risk
- Mangoes and type 2 diabetes: what recent studies actually show
Other findings indicate neem may help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol, supporting its potential role in managing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Early laboratory work also points to anti-cancer properties, with selective toxicity against breast and prostate tumour cells.
While neem is generally safe in controlled doses, experts caution against excessive use. Neem oil has been linked with liver toxicity in high amounts, and pregnant women are advised to avoid it.
Researchers say more rigorous human trials are needed before neem can be formally integrated into evidence-based medicine, but argue it offers exciting potential as a natural complement to conventional therapies.
