Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tree native to the Indian subcontinent, and its leaves have been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Neem leaves are characterized by their pinnate structure, with 8-18 serrated leaflets arranged in pairs along a central stem. The leaves are often dark green and possess a bitter taste and a distinct, strong odour.
Benefits of Neem Leaf Extract:
- Antimicrobial Properties: Neem leaf extract is known for its potent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It has been traditionally used to address various skin infections and wounds.
- Skin Health: Neem leaf extract is often used in skincare products due to its ability to support healthy skin. It may help with conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Neem exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis. It may help reduce inflammation and alleviate associated symptoms.
- Immune System Support: Compounds in neem, such as polysaccharides, have immunomodulatory effects, supporting the immune system and enhancing the body’s defence mechanisms.
- Dental Care: Neem is renowned for its role in oral hygiene. It is a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwashes due to its antimicrobial properties, which can help combat bacteria that cause dental issues like gum disease and cavities.
- Antioxidant Activity: Neem leaf extract contains antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body. This contributes to overall health and may play a role in preventing chronic diseases.
- Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that neem may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes. However, further research is needed in this area.
- Insecticidal Properties: Neem has natural insecticidal properties, and neem-based products are used as environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides in agriculture.
- Liver Health: Neem may support liver health by promoting detoxification processes, potentially benefiting individuals with liver disorders.
- Anticancer Potential: While research is in the early stages, some studies indicate that neem may possess compounds with anticancer properties. However, more research is required to establish its effectiveness.
It’s important to note that while neem leaf extract offers various potential benefits, individual responses may vary. Before incorporating neem supplements into your routine, especially in medicinal doses, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.
Additional Information
Neem is found to have following properties as per various studies- It has Broad spectrum antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiretroviral and antimalarial effect.
It has proinflammatory (anti-inflammatory) cytokine inhibitor and immunomodulator effect.
It has hepatoprotective (the ability of a chemical substance to prevent damage to the liver). and antioxidant effect.
It has thrombolytic (dissolve dangerous clots in blood vessels, improve blood)
It has ACE inhibitor action (help relax the veins and arteries to lower blood pressure.). As per its docking study.
it has high inhibition against COVID-19 Main Protease. As Covid 19 is responsible for severe cytokine storm induced complications and coagulopathies.
Neem can be useful as a single silver bullet in Covid 19 in both prophylactic and curative aspect. It can even be helpful in post Covid complications.
These are some other benefits of Neem.
Neem contains over 130 different types of biological compounds which help the body to heal and promote healthy living. It is packed with vitamin E and fatty acids that enhance every part of the health. From giving you clear skin and lustrous hair, neem can also contribute towards preventing and curing chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, inflammation, urinary tract infection along with improving liver and heart health.
It does not need any pesticide or manure to grow and is in its most natural form because of its abundance. It is more commonly found in India and some Asian countries. Neem is a traditional medicine used in Ayurveda.
All parts of neem have their medicinal properties. Leaves, seeds, flowers have different medicinal properties and are eaten as a part of the diet on the occasion of various festivals in India like Gudi Padwa. It is the main content of Arogyawardhini Rasa as well as Panchatikta ghruta which are commonly used as blood purifiers and hepatoprotective in Ayurveda.
It is a time tested and safe antiviral as well as antibacterial medicine. Even it possesses broad antifungal properties. Neem is a tree of Meliaceae family. Neem also has Latin name Azadirachta Indica. There are two species in the genus Azadiracta out of which one is neem Research has been done on the use of neem in various infectious diseases, inflammatory conditions, degenerative diseases, as well as proliferative diseases. Several research papers on neem show its multifaceted range of action.
Various research studies have proved it effective against these viruses.
- In HIV, Neem is found to increase CD4 count and reduce viral load.
- HSV – Herpes Simplex Virus- Neem bark extract was found to inhibit the virus Anti-herpes action of a glycolipid, derived from the leaves of Azadirachta indica is found. The production of IL-12, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 was found reduced after use of Neem.
- Dengue – It is found to be effective against Dengue type 2 virus, Chickenpox, Smallpox
- Coxsackie B viruses which cause Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease
- Hepatitis B and C
- Influenza Virus- Compounds found in Neem have potential to become a universal medicine against influenza strains.
- Research has shown that Neem leaves can be used to stop the spread of herpes viruses to cells which are not infected.
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