N eem is a "new" ingredient you may see promoted on the labels of personal care products, but it actually has a history that goes back more than 2,000 years in India. Almost like a pharmacy in and of itself, neem (Azadirachta indica) is an evergreen tree related to mahogany that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat myriad medical complaints that range from parasites to gum conditions and diabetes. Now, here in modern-day America, it is being used as an ingredient in toothpaste, mouth rinses, soaps and skin care creams. It may be popular, but does it actually do anything? Is its effectiveness fact or folklore?

ANCIENT BOTANICAL, MODERN APPLICATIONS

I contacted Scott Gerson, MD, PhD, medical director of The National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine and clinical assistant professor of the department of community and preventive medicine at New York Medical College, who has done extensive research into the many and varied therapeutic uses of the neem tree, including the leaves, seeds, bark and flower. Depending on the part of the tree used, neem is known for a wide range of beneficial properties:

• Immune enhancement

• Anti-inflammatory

• Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal

• Digestive aid for gastrointestinal diseases

• Blood sugar reducer

• Topical soothing agent for eczema and skin irritations, inflammation and pain relief

NEEM YIELDS MANY PRODUCTS

Dr. Gerson told me that neem oil, extracted from the seed kernels, contains mono-unsaturated fatty oil similar to what’s in olive oil, grape seed oil, and noni and acai fruits, all known for their skin-enhancing and antioxidant properties. Extracts derived from neem’s leaves and bark can help soothe gastric distress and ulcer pain, and neem leaf extracts have been found (in both oral and topical applications) to be active against certain bacteria and fungi including Staphylococcus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichosporon and Candida. Dr. Gerson told me that he has successfully treated many cases of eczema and other skin and scalp inflammatory conditions using a lotion made from a blend of neem leaf powder, neem oil and turmeric powder. One recent study found that the neem flower shows promise as a contraceptive, though research is ongoing and it isn’t viewed as 100% effective. And, beyond health benefits, neem leaf extracts are being used as an environmentally friendly pesticide.

"It’s inspiring to see that a traditional Ayurvedic plant medicine has yielded several useful preparations," Dr. Gerson says, adding that "global research is continuing to explore the properties and chemistry of the different parts of this fascinating tree."