What Is Neem?

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a type of tree indigenous to India that is used in alternative medicine to prevent gum disease and treat head lice. Neem oil is also used as a pesticide.

Neem is available as a capsule, powder, oil, tincture, cream, or mouthwash. Some remedies are made from the bark, flowers, or fruit of the neem tree.

This article discusses the purported uses of neem, its side effects, and the risks associated with taking neem supplements.

Benefits and Uses of Neem

The purported health-friendly properties of Neem are numerous and have led to it being used as an antioxidant and for antifungal, antibacterial, and pest control applications. It's also used to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent a disease.

Research on the potential health benefits of neem is limited. While neem has been studied in lab and nonhuman animal studies for potential uses (e.g., anticancer activity, lower blood sugar, stomach ulcers, malaria, and acne), there is not enough evidence to support its use for any of these reasons due to lack of human research. More research is needed with well-designed, placebo-controlled, peer-reviewed human research studies.

Dental Health

A few studies have evaluated whether neem can help fight the plaque buildup on teeth and prevent a gum disease called gingivitis. However, the results are mixed.

A 2017 randomized, double-blinded study in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practices reported that neem mouthwash was as effective as commercial mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine gluconate, a substance commonly used to prevent gum disease. However, the study was small, involving only 40 people for one week.

A more extensive review of studies published in 2017 in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene did not reach the same conclusions. The researchers could find no evidence that neem mouthwash is a reasonable alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Lice

Neem seed extract shampoo has been found to be effective in ridding head lice.

A study done in 2007 included 60 children who used the shampoo for different time exposures. According to the results, the neem seed extract effectively eliminated the lice for all periods (5 to 30 minutes). No side effects like skin irritation were observed. More research should be done regarding the use of neem for lice.

What Are the Side Effects of Neem?

Consuming a supplement like neem may have potential side effects. These side effects may be common or severe. Due to lack of research, little is known about the safety of short-term or long-term use of neem; however, there are some possible concerns and side effects.

Topical use (placed on skin) can cause:

• Allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation)
• Dermatitis on the scalp (used by an individual with hair loss)

Neem oil should not be consumed orally.

Oral consumption can lead to:

• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Encephalopathy (diffuse disease of the brain that affects its function or structure)
• Seizures and coma

Risks

Children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use neem supplements due to the lack of safety research in those groups.

Consuming neem oil is not advised. One case report indicated that oral consumption may lead to neem oil poisoning, which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and seizures.

Dosage: How Much Neem Should I Use?

There is not enough scientific evidence to determine a standard or appropriate dose of neem. More research is needed on dosages for specific health needs and populations. Please talk with your healthcare provider before you start taking neem or any supplement.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Neem?

As a rule of thumb, never take more neem than the manufacturer's recommended dosage. This is true for any of its forms. If you experience side effects, stop taking neem and call your healthcare provider.

Interactions

It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

At this time, there is limited information regarding known interactions with different medications because of limited human research. Studies suggest that neem has blood sugar lowering effects. Therefore, taking neem with diabetes medications, such as metformin, could cause blood sugar to drop too low.

Talk to your healthcare provider before starting neem or any other supplement to determine whether it is safe to take with your current medications.

How to Store Neem

Store neem according to manufacturer's directions. Discard as indicated on the package.

Sources of Neem & What to Look For

Neem can be found online and in many dietary supplements or natural food stores. It comes in many forms, including capsules, tinctures, powders, oil, creams, shampoos, and mouthwashes.

There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of neem. Once on the market, dietary supplements like neem are not as strictly regulated by the FDA as drugs. Because of this, a supplement's purity and safety can vary from one manufacturer to the next.

Summary

Neem has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including head lice and dental issues like gingivitis. However, most claims are not backed by enough human data and require more research. Neem is available as a capsule, powder, oil, tincture, cream, or mouthwash.

Just like with any other supplement, consult with your healthcare provider first if you are thinking about taking neem.