Neem
Azadirachta indicaA European patent on the antifungal use of neem oil was revoked in 2000 because it rested on knowledge known in India for centuries; the case became a symbol of the “biopiracy” debate.
What is Neem?
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a plant of the Meliaceae family. Traditions that use it: Asia and Siberia. Part used: leaf, twig, seed oil.
What is Neem used for?
Traditional use: Twigs are chewed as toothbrushes and the leaves are used for skin diseases and against lice; in villages the tree’s shade is thought to be healing. Scientific evidence: limited. Neem leaf and oil show antibacterial, antifungal and insect-repellent effects in the lab; azadirachtin from the seeds is one of the world’s most used natural pesticides.
Is Neem safe?
Safety label: caution. Neem oil must not be swallowed: in babies and young children even a few teaspoons have caused vomiting, seizures, coma and death. Long-term use of leaf extract may harm the liver and kidneys. Not for pregnant women or those trying to conceive; neem has traditionally been used as a contraceptive.
Traditional use
Twigs are chewed as toothbrushes and the leaves are used for skin diseases and against lice; in villages the tree’s shade is thought to be healing.
At the Ugadi new-year festival bitter neem flowers are eaten mixed with jaggery, a sign of accepting the bitter and the sweet of life together.
In nature
Mix-up risk
The chinaberry (Melia azedarach) is in the same family and is a park tree in Türkiye; its fruits are poisonous and must not be taken for neem.
Preparation
A fresh twig tip is chewed like a toothbrush. Leaves are boiled and the water applied to skin and hair. The seed oil is for external use only.
What science says
Neem leaf and oil show antibacterial, antifungal and insect-repellent effects in the lab; azadirachtin from the seeds is one of the world’s most used natural pesticides. Small human studies on gum inflammation and lice are promising. Claims for diabetes and cancer are unproven.
Safety
Neem oil must not be swallowed: in babies and young children even a few teaspoons have caused vomiting, seizures, coma and death. Long-term use of leaf extract may harm the liver and kidneys. Not for pregnant women or those trying to conceive; neem has traditionally been used as a contraceptive.
Drug interactions
| Medicine or substance | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Diabetes medicines | May lower blood sugar; risk of hypoglycaemia. |
| Immunosuppressants | May stimulate immunity and weaken the drug. |
This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Neem.
Similar plants
Sources
- ResearchAzadirachta indica A. Juss. In Vivo Toxicity: An Updated Review (Molecules 2021)
- ResearchNeem oil poisoning (Indian Pediatr 2008)
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Azadirachta indica
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe