Potential properties, used and scope of Azadirachta indica in human health care

Abhijit Ray

HOD, Department of Biotechnology, Raipur Institute of Technology, Raipur (CG)

ABSTRACT:

The Neem Tree is an incredible plant that has been declared the "Tree of the 21st century" by the United Nations. In India, it is variously known as "Divine Tree", "Life giving tree", "Nature"s Drugstore", "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases". It is one of the major components in Ayurvedic medicine, which has been practiced in India since many centuries. The neem is an ancient Indian cure-all due to its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antihistamine and antiseptic properties. The neem leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, bark and fruits are utilized to treat inflammation, infections, skin diseases and for dental care.

In India's ancient Ayurvedic Medical texts it is explained that every part of the Neem tree has health promoting benefits. What is clear from the above information is that the general population of India for, over 5000 years has used Neem safely and effectively. In fact the people of India call the Neem Tree "The Village Pharmacy". It is also called Holy Tree (Azadirachta indica.). In ancient times neem was the most celebrated medicinal plant of India and found mention in a number of Puranic texts like the Atharava Veda, Upanivahod, Amarkosha and Ghrysutra. They all dealt with the outstanding qualities of the neem tree as a source of medicine and as a natural pesticide.

KEYWORDS: Neem, Azadirachta indica, skin treatment, Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION:

Azadirachta indica belongs to mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of the two species of genus Azadirachta, and is native to India and Pakistan growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil. Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 meters, rarely to 35–40 meters. It is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide spread. The fairly dense crown is roundish or oval and may reach the diameter of 15–20 meters (49–66 ft) in old, free-standing specimens.

Neem is an ayurvedic medicine used for hair and skincare. The benefits of neem on skin were utilized years ago when the leaves were mixed in hot water to take bath. Neem either its bark or leaves are healthy for the skin and hair. Neem is known as a traditional blood purifier agent. Neem is consumed as well as applied to get a flawless complexion and a healthy skin by keeping skin diseases away. Neem is used as skin care ingredient in lotions, ointments, skin and facial powders or creams. Neem is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, non-allergic, anti-viral and blood purifier.

Traditional medicine systems like ayurveda and unani have been using neem and its parts to cure different skin problems. In the current scenario, neem and its parts are being extensively used in raw form and as extracts to manufacture quality skin care products; they are exported to countries like US, UK, Australia.

Though initially India, Burma and other countries were using neem on a large scale to manufacture natural or herbal goods, but of late, countries like Brazil are also cultivating the magical tree on a large scale to use them in skin care products

Part of Neem Used for Manufacturing Skin Products

Neem Leaf Extracts: These concentrated extracts have rejuvenating and detoxifying effects on the skin; leaf extracts help to purify the skin, remove blemishes and prevent pimples and acne.

Neem Oil: is being used to manufacture moisturizing lotions, skin creams, medicated acne creams and lotions. Topical application is extremely effective in treating almost all skin related problems. It moisturizes and smoothens the skin.

Neem Tree Benefits

Tree Benefits

The benefits and value of neem (Azadirachta indica) tree and all its parts, do not require any introduction. Their uses in curing and preventing many diseases not only in humans but also in animals have been known to mankind for long. Neem is also used to protect plants from pests and insects. Neem is used to stimulate the growth of plants as it is considered to be natural manure without any toxic effects.

Neem Benefits in Human Beings

Neem tree and its compounds, its extracts and finished products have been known to cure a large number of human ailments. Right from skin diseases to diabetes, from cholesterol to hair problems, from ulcers to dental problems, the ways in which it affects our lives is numerous. There are many neem products available in the market in the form of neem oil, neem soap, neem medicines, neem powder, neem tea, neem hair products and so on. Even raw neem leaves, neem fruits are very beneficial to human beings.

Some of the benefits of neem tree in human beings are as follows:

Neem works as blood purifier. Consuming raw neem leaves or neem leaf powder help in eradicating toxins from the blood. This is one of the greatest benefits of neem tree. It helps in proper healing of wound, burns and injuries. Neem is a natural cure for skin diseases. It also provides internal glow to the skin. Neem helps our body to combat mild infections. Neem also acts as a deworming agent. Neem hair oil has proved its importance in treating of hair fall, dandruff, lice and early graying of hairs. This is one of the neem oil benefits. Another neem plant benefits include removal of dark circles under the eyes and skin infections. Neem also helps in treating diabetes. Neem is helpful in constipation, indigestion and restoring taste of mouth. Neem helps in maintaining proper secretions of liver etc.

Neem Tree Benefits in Agriculture

The active content of neem tree, azadirachtin, a naturally occurring substance belonging to an organic class of molecule called tetranortriterpenoids is used in agrochemicals like insecticides and pesticides to protect the plants. The active ingredient acts by hampering the growth process of an insect from larva to pupa to adult. It further inhibits the production of insects and acts as a cover shield for plants. This active ingredient also has anti feedant properties for insects thus breaking their life cycle.

Neem Tree Benefits in Animals

Animals also benefit from the uses of neem. Neem and its products, neem leaves mixed with other natural ingredients have been used for curing a large number of animal diseases. It is used in livestock production and health. It is also used as a healthy animal feed as it contains proteins, minerals, carotene etc. Bathing your pet animal with neem soap or shampoo prevents insect infection and ticks, bites, ringworm, fleas, mites and many skin disorders or fungal infections.

Neem or Azadirachta indica is a large, evergreen tree and has strong health maintaining properties. Its principle constituents are nimbin, nimbinin and nimbidin. Neem is used as a poultice in boils, is antiseptic, demulcent, a tonic in catarrhal affections, stomachic, stimulant. It is useful in hypoglycemic, rheumatism, as an analgesic, antipyretic, sedative, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, anthelmintic and in skin diseases. The tree stem, root and bark possess astringent, tonic, and antiperiodic properties.

Neem action

The antibacterial, antifungal and blood purifying properties of neem are useful in skin disorders and keep the skin healthy. It is used as a tonic and astringent that promotes wound healing. It has detoxifying benefits that help maintain healthy circulatory, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems. Extract possesses anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It is also beneficial in treating malarial fever and cutaneous diseases

All parts of the plant and its extracts possess a lot of significant pharmacological properties. It is used as a poultice in boils, is antiseptic, demulcent, a tonic in catarrhal affections and acts as stimulant. It is useful in snake bite, scorpion sting, hypoglycemic, in rheumatism, as an analgesic, antipyretic, sedative, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, anthelmintic and in skin diseases. The tree stem, root and bark possess astringent, tonic, and antiperiodic properties. The bark is beneficial in malarial fever and useful in cutaneous diseases.

Neem uses

Psoriasis:

In clinical studies Neem extracts and oil were found to be as effective alternative for coal tar and cortisone in treating psoriasis. However there were none of the usual side effects accompanying the use of Neem as there was with Coal tar and cortisone. When applied to the skin, Neem extracts and oil removed the redness and itching while improving the condition of the skin for the duration of the treatment.

Eczema:

In the case of eczema clinical studies demonstrate that even the application of weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively cured acute conditions of eczema, what to speak of the fresh cold pressed oil with its high concentration of active ingredients. Using a Soap or shampoo containing Neem oil can easily relieve the itching and redness of eczema.

Acne:

Neem effectively kills the bacteria that cause Acneand studies prove that Neem will reduce inflammation, even the inflammation produced by Acne.

Skin problems in general:

Dry skin, wrinkles, dandruff, itchy scalp, skin ulcers and warts are other conditions that can be effectively resolved by the use of soaps, lotions, and creams, containing neem leaf extracts and oil.

Neem's effectiveness against Periodontal Disease

Throughout India and South East Asia hundreds of millions of village people use Neem twigs and leaves to brush their teeth, and keep their gums free of disease and infection even though they have limited access to modern dental care. The ancient Ayurvedic practice of using Neem to heal and rejuvenate gum tissue and to prevent cavities and gum disease is verified in modern clinical studies.Studies showed that Neem bark is more active than the leaves against certain bacteria and that neem based tooth pastes and mouth washes significantly improved Pyorrhea, at various stages, in patients. Neem toothpaste prevented and even reversed gingivitis.

Neem's effects on the immune system and degenerative disease's

According to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda the bark of the Neem tree strengthen an individual’s resistance to disease. Modern clinical studies have identified a number of compounds in the Neem tree that effectively regulate immune system functions.Neem touches the daily life of almost every Indian, from the poorest peasant who snaps off a twig to use as a toothbrush, to wealthier individuals who purchase manufactured neem-based toothpastes, soaps and medicines.

Arthritis:

Traditionally Ayurveda has recommended the use of Neem leaf, seed, and bark, for reducing arthritic pain and inflammation and for halting the progression of the disease as well. The use of Neem for these purposes has been confirmed by modern clinical studies.The pain, inflammation, and swelling of the joints in arthritis can be greatly reduced by different compounds of Neem. In numerous clinical studies the polysaccharides and other compounds of Neem leaf extract have produced a reduction in the inflammation caused by arthritis. One of the major components in neem seed, which has demonstrated a significant effect against arthritis, is nimbidin. Other components that possess anti-inflammatory properties are limonoids and catechin.

There are several reasons why the compounds in Neem work so well. It appears that these compounds make a number of adjustments to various mechanisms in the body, which explains their anti-inflammatory effects. There is an inhibition in the release of mediators of acute inflammation, an antihistaminic effect and a modification in the functioning of the immune system response. Neem's ability to change the immune system responds to arthritis, by reducing the generation of inflammation producing chemicals, may also be the reason why it halts the progress of the disease and why it may hold the promise of an actual cure.In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects there are several leaf compounds like the above mentioned polysaccharides, catechin, and limonoids, which are clinically proven to be more potent than aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in decreasing prostaglandin synthetase and the pain it causes.

Rheumatism:

Rheumatism or Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can cause serious pain and inflammation. Modern medicine uses strong drugs like phenyl butazone and cortisone to relive the pain and inflammation of Rheumatism.These drugs can cause many uncomfortable side effects. Clinical studies have conclusively demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activities of various compounds in Neem leaves are equally as effective as phenyl butazoneand cortisone.In addition to relieving pain and inflammation, the active constituents in Neem leaves are clinically proven to inhibit the prostaglandin mechanism that causes pain, more effectively than aspirin. In the same study Neem significantly reduced acute paw edema as well. The consumption of Neem Leaf capsules and the topical application of slightly warmed Neem cream can help to alleviate the pain and inflammation of this condition.

Cancer:

For centuries in India and Southeast Asia Ayurvedic practitioners and herbalists have successfully used Neem to reduce tumors. Clinical research performed in Europe and India using the polysaccharides and limonoids found in Neem bark, leaves, and seeds demonstrated some remarkable effects against cancers. These compounds not only reduced tumors and cancers but were also effective against lymphocytic leukemia. An amazing reduction in tumor size was reported when Neem extracts were injected around the tumors.

Other application and uses of neem includes in heart disease, high blood pressure, blood clots, cholesterol, poor blood circulation, blood poisoning, kidney problems, indigestion, ulcers, gastritis, anxiety, epilepsy, etc.

REFERENCES:

http://www.neem-products.com/neem-benefits.html

http://neemfromindia.com/skin_hair_care.php

Received on 09.11.2011

Modified on 08.12.2011

Accepted on 25.02.2012

© A&V Publication all right reserved

Research J. Science and Tech. 4(2): March-April 2012: 55-58