What is Neem?

The evergreen neem tree (also called neem tree) belongs to the mahogany family and comes from the Indian subcontinent. It is known as "Azadirachta indica A. Juss", with the word azadirachta being derived from the Persian word "azaddhirakt", which means "noble tree". In the millennia-old Ayurveda, the neem tree is one of the most important medicinal plants, and is also known as the "village pharmacy".

The tree grows quite quickly and reaches a total height of 15-20 meters, sometimes even up to 40 meters. The crown spans up to 20 meters, and the tree also bears fruit that turns yellow as it ripens. The neem tree tolerates a lot of sun, high temperatures and also needs little water. This makes it a robust tree that can withstand dry and dry periods.

What are the effects of Neem?

Neem has over 135 biologically active compounds! These have been known for thousands of years and are found in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Unani medicine, where neem is used to treat various ailments. Especially in the Indian subcontinent, neem is used both for the treatment of diseases and for prevention. Neem contains various biological compounds such as flavonoids, nimbin, limonoids, catechins, limonoids, gallic acid and other minor polyphenols, which are attributed biological effects.

  • Eine Nahaufnahme des Neem Baums, auf der die Äste, Blätter und Früchte der Pflanze zu sehen sind. Ein kreisförmiges Logo in der Mitte stellt die Antioxidantien dar.

    Rich in antioxidants!

    Neem contains many antioxidant-rich ingredients that can provide health-promoting effects. Therefore, due to its properties, neem can have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects [1]. Neem and its compounds have been shown to scavenge free radicals and prevent the onset and development of diseases such as cancer [2] [3]. In addition, neem may be able to trigger certain mechanisms such as detoxification, DNA repair, alteration of the cell cycle, immune surveillance and anti-inflammatory [1].

  • Die Blätter der jungen Neem Pflanzen wurden mit Wasser besprüht. Ein kreisförmiges Logo in weißer Schrift, das die Hyperpigmentation der Haut darstellt, ist im Vordergrund des Bildes.

    Hyperpigmentation of the skin

    When too much melanin is produced by the body, it manifests itself in pigment disorders such as hyperpigmentation. The overproduction is controlled by a certain enzyme, neem (or the nimbolides contained and extracted in neem) can help suppress this enzyme and thus inhibit melanin production. Thus, it can help in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the skin [4].

  • Die immergrüne Neem Pflanze ist vor dem blauen Himmel zu sehen. Ein kreisförmiges Logo stellt die ein Haarfollikel dar.

    Hair and scalp care

    Neem can help to make hair shine [5]. Additionally, due to its antibacterial, antifungal compounds, it can have a positive effect on preventing dandruff and aids in the treatment of head lice [6].

  • Eine Aufnahme der Neem Pflanze in der Naturlandschaft, umgeben von anderen Bäumen. Im Vordergrund ist ein kreisförmiges Logo in weißer Schrift, das einen Zahn abbildet.

    dental care

    In addition, neem has been shown to be a supporting ingredient in toothpaste, as it was able to reduce plaque and bacteria more effectively than conventional mouthwashes (chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2%). In addition, neem can inhibit the bacteria responsible for the formation of caries [6].

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neem
Die Äste der Neem Pflanze sind zu sehen, im Hintergrund der blaue Himmel.

Inspirations on how to use Neem powder

Neem powder can be used in a variety of ways depending on the intended use. Here are some common uses of neem leaf powder:

Scalp care: Neem powder can be mixed with water and applied to the scalp. The powder should be gently massaged into the scalp and left for about 20 minutes before washing it out.

Face mask: Neem powder can be mixed with some water or yogurt to make a face mask. The mask can be applied on the face to treat skin problems. The mask should be left on for about 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off.

Dental care: Neem powder can be used as a natural toothpaste if you want to do something good for yourself and your oral health. The powder can be mixed with a little water and applied to the toothbrush before you brush your teeth as usual. Alternatively, you can simply mix some of the powder into the toothpaste.

Body Care: Neem powder can also be used in baths or showers to nourish and cleanse the skin. The powder can be added to a bath or mixed with water and applied to the body before rinsing.

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Sources

[1] Islas, JF, Acosta, E., G-Buentello, Z., Delgado-Gallegos, JL, Moreno-Treviño, MG, Escalante, B., & Moreno-Cuevas, JE (2020). An overview of neem (azadirachta indica) and its potential impact on health. Journal of Functional Foods, 74 , 104171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2020.104171

[2] Moga, MA, Bălan, A., Anastasiu, CV, Dimienescu, OG, Neculoiu, CD, & Gavriș, C. (2018). An overview on the anticancer activity of azadirachta indica (neem) in gynecological cancers. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19 (12), 3898. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19123898

[3] Alzohairy, MA (2016). Therapeutic role of azadirachta indica (neem) and their active constituents in diseases prevention and treatment. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 7382506-11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7382506

[4] Songtavisin T., Pratoomthai B., Gangnonngiw W., Naowaboot J. (2021). Azadirachta indica (Neem) Water Leaf Extract Inhibits Melanin Production and Tyrosinase Activity in B16F10 Melanoma Cells. Pharmacognosy Journal, 13 (4):1030-1035. https://doi.org/10.5530/pj.2021.13.133

[5] Giri R. P, D. A, Giri DS (2019). Neem the Wonder Herb: A Short Review. International Journal of Trends in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD), 3 (3): 962-967. https://doi.org/10.31142/ijtsrd23038

[6] Baby, AR, Freire, TB, Marques, G. d. A., Rijo, P., Lima, FV, Carvalho, João Carlos Monteiro de, Rojas, J., Magalhães, WV, Velasco, MVR, & Morocho-Jácome, AL (2022). Azadirachta indica (neem) as a potential natural active for dermocosmetic and topical products: A narrative review. Cosmetics (Basel), 9 (3), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390 /cosmetics9030058