Neem Leaf

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tree that grows in most parts of India and is native to the continent. It is widely used in India, and increasingly around the world, for its health benefits and is frequently called the “pharmacy of the village”. However, the health benefits of Neem Leaf have until now been relatively unknown to the outside world.¹

Neem Leaf also known as Neem Extract is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Researchers have now identified more than 140 beneficial phytocompounds found in Neem Leaf. Traditionally, people have used most tree parts from flowers, leaves, fruits, roots, to even bark.¹ This article specifically covers the health benefits of Neem Leaf or its extract.

Health Benefits of Neem Leaf

Below are some of the well-known benefits of Neem Leaf:

Anti-Parasitic

Neem Leaves can either repel or kill various parasites. It is not only used orally to destroy or remove parasites from the body as Neem Leaf may also repel various insects when used topically. In one study, researchers found that using Neem Leaf may help to manage malaria. Using Neem Leaf appears to have an effect on various stages of malaria. It also seems to help the body kill intracellular parasites by boosting immunity. Another study found that Neem Leaf may also have an anti-leishmanial effect.²^,³
Helps With Diabetes and Cholesterol

Neem Leaves are slightly bitter in taste and have traditionally been used to manage various metabolic disorders. Studies show that using Neem Leaf could be quite good for managing diabetes. In one study, Neem Extract could lower blood glucose. Additionally, using Neem Extract also appears to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Using Neem Leaves seems to exert renal protective action in diabetes, therefore reducing urea and creatinine. Neem Leaves are not just good for managing diabetes, their use also has a role in lowering diabetes-related complications.⁴
Boosts Immunity

Neem Leaf may help boost immunity and fight various infections. Therefore, using Neem Leaves may be suitable for fighting various seasonal and chronic infections. In one study in HIV patients, researchers found that Neem Leaf extract helped to increase CD4 helper cells count. Neem Leaf is not intended to be used to treat such severe conditions, however adding it to other medical treatment may be beneficial.⁵
Anti-Inflammatory

Neem Leaf is not just suitable for local inflammatory conditions like gastritis or arthritis. Its use may also help lower systemic inflammation. The ability for Neem Leaf to modulate immunity and lower inflammation may explain why it is helpful to be used for numerous health conditions. For example, in one study, researchers compared anti-inflammatory properties of Neem Leaf with dexamethasone. The researchers found that although using Neem Leaf was less potent than the better-known drug, its effect was quite pronounced.⁶
Antifungal

Some compounds in Neem Leaf, like nimonol, may exert a potent antifungal effect. Therefore, using Neem Leaf may help prevent the growth of fungal pathogens like candida, aspergillus, and much more.⁷
Anti-Cancer

Although Neem Leaf cannot be recommended for treating cancer, using Neem Leaf may help prevent cancers. Studies show that it the use of Neem Leaf is effective against various types of cancer cells like breast cancer and prostate cancer.⁸

Side Effects of Using Neem Leaf

Although using Neem Leaf extract is relatively safe, it is suggested that it be used with caution as its safety is not fully established. Additionally, using other parts of the Neem plant, like the seeds and bark, have more side effects than using just the Neem Leaf. Researchers have also found that Neem oil can be quite toxic when consumed at higher dosages. It is suggested that Neem products should not be given to infants due to safety concerns.⁹

Properties

Anti-Bacterial²^,³
Anti-Fungal⁷
Anti-Inflammatory⁶
Anti-Parasitic²^,³
Antimicrobial²^,³
Antiseptic²^,³
Antiviral²^,³
Arthritis⁶
Astringent^1,⁶^,⁷
Blood Tonic⁵
Cancer Prevention⁸
Cholesterol⁴
Cough⁶
Diabetes / Blood Sugar⁴
Digestive Function¹
Eye Health¹
Fever Reduction¹
Hair Growth and Support⁵
High/Good Levels of Phytochemicals / Phytocompounds¹
Immune Booster^1,⁵
Liver Health⁹
Malaria Support²
Nausea⁹
Oral Health¹^,⁹
Skin Issues^1,⁶^,⁷
Vomiting Prevention¹^,⁹

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