Azadirachta indica (Neem beeja/leaves)

Azadirachta indica (Neem beeja/leaves)

• Neem is a tree. The bark, leaves, and seeds are used to make medicine. Less frequently, the root, flower, and fruit are also used.
• Neem leaf is used for leprosy, eye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), fever, diabetes, gum disease (gingivitis), and liver problems. The leaf is also used for birth control and to cause abortions.
• The bark is used for malaria, stomach and intestinal ulcers, skin diseases, pain, and fever.
• The flower is used for reducing bile, controlling phlegm, and treating intestinal worms.
• The fruit is used for hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, urinary tract disorders, bloody nose, phlegm, eye disorders, diabetes, wounds, and leprosy.
• Neem twigs are used for cough, asthma, hemorrhoids, intestinal worms, low sperm levels, urinary disorders, and diabetes. People in the tropics sometimes chew neem twigs instead of using toothbrushes, but this can cause illness; neem twigs are often contaminated with fungi within 2 weeks of harvest and should be avoided.
• The seed and seed oil are used for leprosy and intestinal worms. They are also used for birth control and to cause abortions.
• The stem, root bark, and fruit are used as a tonic and astringent.
• Some people apply neem directly to the skin to treat head lice, skin diseases, wounds, and skin ulcers; as a mosquito repellent; and as a skin softener.
• Inside the vagina, neem is used for birth control.
• Neem is also used as an insecticide.

How does it work?

Neem contains chemicals that might help reduce blood sugar levels, heal ulcers in the digestive tract, prevent conception, kill bacteria and prevent plaque formation in the mouth.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Dental plaque. Early research suggests that applying neem leaf extract gel to the teeth and gums twice daily for 6 weeks might reduce plaque formation. It also might reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth that can cause plaque. However, using a mouth rinse containing neem extract for 2 weeks does not appear to reduce plaque or gingivitis.
• Insect repellant. Early research suggests that applying extract of neem root or leaf to the skin helps repels black flies. Also, applying neem oil cream to the skin seems to protect against some types of mosquitos.
• Ulcers. Some research suggests that taking 30-60 mg of neem bark extract twice daily by mouth for 10 weeks helps heal stomach and intestinal ulcers.
• Psoriasis. Early research suggests that taking neem extract by mouth for 12 weeks, along with daily sun exposure and the application of a coal tar and salicylic acid cream, reduces the severity of psoriasis symptoms in people.
• Fever.
• Upset stomach.
• Breathing conditions.
• Malaria.
• Worms.
• Head lice.
• Skin conditions and diseases.
• Heart disease.
• Diabetes.
• Birth control (contraception).
• Other conditions.

Some studies have claimed that certain compounds of Azadirachta indica (Neem) could be of benefit in diabetes mellitus in controlling the blood sugar.

The bitter leaf of neem is an effective remedy for treating diabetes as they are loaded with flavonoids, triterpenoid, anti-viral compounds and glycosides, which may help manage blood sugar levels. To make neem powder, take some dried neem leaves and grind them in a blender until smooth.

 Almost all parts of the neem tree- leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark have been used traditionally for a variety of treatments; be it inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases or dental disorders. 

Several studies have revealed that the anti-diabetic properties of Neem leaves aid insulin to increase the uptake of glucose into fat and muscle cells and, hence, helps in maintaining glucose levels in the body