General Information
OTHER NAMES: Azadirachta indica, Margosa oil
HISTORY: Neem was noted first in early Indian scriptures nearly 5000 years ago. It has been used for thousands of years in Asia for medicinal purposes, and it plays a great role in Ayurvedic medicine in India, as well as other parts of the world (1). Considered a "cure all" in some societies.
PROPERTIES: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiulcer, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic and larvacidal.
Considered Uses
Respiratory: Upper respiratory problems
Cardiovascular: Lowers blood pressure
Gastrointestinal: Gum inflammation, gingivitis, gastroenteritis, parasites, plaque, gastric ulcers
Genitourinary: Improves and may prevent UTIs, spermicidal
Musculoskeletal: Arthritis
Skin: Helps various types of hair loss, dandruff, head lice, graying of hair, psoriasis, eczema, herpes (including shingles, mouth sores), warts, acne, boils, ringworm, skin inflammation and rashes, fungus
Glucose: Helps lower blood sugar
Cholesterol: Helps lower cholesterol
Immunity: Anticancer may help increase immunity
Cancer: Some anticancer properties, including melanoma
Other: Mosquito repellant, malaria, fever, anti-aging, NIH studies in COVID, head lice
* * *
SIDE EFFECTS: May contribute to infertility, can cause kidney and liver problems, miscarriage
CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: May cause decreased blood sugar and flares of autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, and others). Organ transplant medications. Caution with use of antidiabetic medications – may cause hypoglycemia. Immunosuppressants. P450 3A4 (CYP 3A4), P Glycoprotein substrates, P450 2C8 (CYP 2C8), P 450 2C9 (CYP 2C9)
FORMS: Capsules, creams, teas, powder, tinctures, extracts, salves, oils, shampoo, toothpaste, health and beauty products
RECOMMENDED BRANDS
No recommended rands available at this time
DOSAGES: As directed
Reported doses – May NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E, NIH publications and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.
Oral extract - 60 mg daily for up to ten weeks
Topical application - up to 2 weeks
Oral topical gel up to 6 weeks
*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.