JUCA Neem Powder

Potential health benefits of neem

Although scientific research into neem is in its beginning stages, it shows promise for several aspects of health, including blood sugar management, as well as benefits for your hair, skin, teeth, liver, and kidneys.

Keep in mind that further human studies are necessary.

May promote hair health

Neem seed extract contains azadirachtin, an active compound that may fight parasites that affect hair and skin, such as lice. Azadirachtin works by disrupting parasite growth and interfering with reproduction and other cellular processes (9Trusted Source).

In a study that tested the efficacy of a neem-based shampoo on head lice in children, leaving shampoo in the hair for 10 minutes killed the lice while being gentle on the skin (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).

Neem extract and nimbidin, a compound found in neem oil, may also treat dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Dandruff and scalp irritation may result from fungal buildup on the scalp (8Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source).

May boost dental and oral health

Chewing neem bark to promote oral hygiene is a common practice in India (13Trusted Source).

Neem’s antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties may promote oral health. Although more research is needed, studies indicate that neem may relieve pain and help treat gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay (3Trusted Source).

Furthermore, test-tube studies suggest that neem may minimize bacteria’s ability to colonize the surface of your teeth, thus reducing plaque formation (14Trusted Source).

Plus, in a 21-day study including 45 people with gingivitis, neem mouthwash was found to be as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash — a heavy duty prescription mouthwash — at reducing gum bleeding and plaque (15Trusted Source).

May aid liver and kidney health

Neem’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help fight oxidative stress, which may in turn promote liver and kidney health.

Oxidative stress is caused by a buildup of unstable molecules called free radicals. Although your body naturally produces free radicals as a byproduct of metabolism, external sources increase their presence.

Some drugs, including cancer medication, painkillers, and antipsychotics, may contribute to oxidative stress, leading to tissue damage in your liver and kidneys (16Trusted Source).

Interestingly, one study on rats found that neem leaf extract reduced liver damage induced by high-dose acetaminophen (17Trusted Source).

Another rat study showed similar effects, suggesting that neem extract improved kidney tissue damage caused by chemotherapy medication (18Trusted Source).

However, studies in humans are needed.

May improve skin health

Neem seed oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linoleic acids. Collectively, these fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that promote healthy skin (19Trusted Source).

Keep in mind that while Ayurvedic medicine — an Indian traditional healing system — uses neem to treat psoriasis and eczema, very few scientific studies support these claims (20Trusted Source).

Acne

Historically, neem has been used to treat acne, reduce blemishes, and improve skin elasticity (21).

Indeed, studies suggest that neem oil’s antibacterial properties combat acne.

A test-tube study showed that neem oil may aid long-term acne treatment when added to solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), a new type of drug formulation that offers a stable release of active ingredients (21).

All the same, research in humans is necessary.

Ulcer and wound healing

Animal studies suggest that neem leaf extract accelerates wound healing through an increased inflammatory response and the formation of new blood vessels (8Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).

In a 2013, 34-day case study, applying 100 mg of neem oil topically twice daily completely healed chronic skin ulcers (23Trusted Source).

In another study, 6 people with intestinal ulcers took 30 mg of neem extract orally twice daily. After 10 days, acid secretion had declined significantly, and after 10 weeks, the ulcers were almost completely healed (24Trusted Source).

Yet, this was a fairly small study. More human research is needed.

Other potential benefits

Neem may have several other health benefits, though results are mixed, and further studies in people are necessary.

Antimalarial effects

Neem contains active compounds called limonoids. A study in mice found that limonoids may be as effective at targeting malaria-infected cells as conventional treatments using chloroquine (2Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).

However, some test-tube studies show no positive effect of neem extract on malaria outcomes (26Trusted Source).

Keep in mind that neem is not widely used to treat malaria at this time.

Antifertility treatment

Neem has also been considered as an alternative to a vasectomy due to its antifertility effects. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that sterilizes people with testicles by stopping the release of sperm.

Animal studies note that neem may immobilize and kill sperm with no long-term consequences (2Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source).

Diabetes management

Some animal studies indicate that neem leaf extract may be a candidate for new diabetes medications (4Trusted Source, 5, 8Trusted Source).

That’s because neem extract may help revive cells that produce insulin — the hormone that helps control blood sugar — and lower blood sugar levels (28Trusted Source).

All the same, human studies are lacking.

Here are 5 benefits of Neem Powder:

1. Antibacterial Properties – Neem is one of the best natural antiseptic and cleansing herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Use it to clear skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. It works magic for acne-prone skin. We use Neem as the star ingredient in our Purifying Range to control excess sebum and neutralize oily skin.
    
2. Detoxing Properties – Neem comes in many different forms, from powder and supplements to pastes and oils. Either way, it’s extremely powerful at detoxing important internal organs. So, use it to cleanse your liver and stimulate your kidneys. It also detoxes the blood from germs picked up on a day-to-day basis. Try adding 1 tablespoon of Neem powder to 1 tablespoon of water to detox your internal organs.
    
3. Metabolic Properties – Neem promotes a healthy metabolism. This is a result of its detoxing properties. As it eliminates germs from your blood and organs, it creates a much healthier and cleaner metabolic system. 
4. Diabetic Properties – Neem is also highly recommended for people who have Diabetes as it reduces the blood glucose level. There has been a huge increase in the manufacturing of Neem tablets worldwide due to the success in treating Diabetes with no side effects. 
5. Hair Care Properties– Neem is also renowned for its use on the scalp and for its hair strengthening properties. Commonly used for soothing itchy scalps and reducing dandruff, it is also strong enough to kill head lice and is the top method of doing so in India. If you suffer from dry hair or dandruff, try incorporating an oil version of the plant into your hair care regime, running it through the hair, especially the ends.

Neem Powder Benefits For Doshas:

Neem pacifies Pitta and Kapha doshas whereas an excess of it can aggravate Vata doshas. Neem offers antibacterial protection and prevents the recurrence of acne and pimples for all Doshas.

Benefits

Although research is limited, a 2020 overview of research suggests that neem has the following effects:

• antioxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• anticancerous
• antidiabetic

A 2022 literature review also suggests that neem has antiarthritic and antimicrobial activities.

A 2024 article notes that, based on preclinical studies and clinical trials, neem may be a promising complementary treatment option for certain medical conditions, such as:

• cancer
• diabetes
• skin diseases, such as psoriasis
• stomach ulcers

However, more research in humans is necessary to determine its effects and safety.

A person should speak with a doctor before considering using neem to help treat any medical condition. It is also important to continue the prescribed medication and treatment options.

Antioxidant

According to a 2021 article, various studies have shown that neem’s antioxidant properties are related to polyphenols and compounds such as azadirachtin and nimbin.

The 2020 overview of research suggests that various studies have tested the antioxidant effect of neem and its effect on the body’s natural defenses. The authors note that studies on rats demonstrated that extracts of potential compounds of neem were able to boost the body’s natural defenses.

Anti-inflammatory

Previous research suggests that limonoid, a compound found in neem, inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators in the body, reducing inflammation. It may also provide pain relief.

The authors of the review state that the anti-inflammatory properties found in certain compounds in neem play an important role in the herb’s anticancer and antidiabetic properties.

Anticancerous

A 2022 literature review notes that neem may have the potential to help treat prostate cancer when used alone or in combination with conventional treatment options, such as chemotherapy.

The authors suggest that neem and neem-based products can interfere with the processes that cause prostate cancer cell incidence, progression, and resistance to chemotherapy.

However, it is important to note that further research is necessary, and the authors state the need for clinical studies.

Antidiabetic

Studies on rats found that the leaf and bark extract of neem had a similar effect on glucose compared to insulin.

Additionally, a 2020 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study found that neem significantly improved high blood sugar levels and inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes.

However, it is important to note that there is still ongoing research regarding the effects and toxicity of neem extracts.

How to use

There are various ways a person can use neem:

• using products that already contain neem, such as shampoo or toothpaste
• applying diluted neem directly to the scalp or their own hair care products
• chewing on neem twigs
• applying a small amount of diluted neem oil to the skin

It is advisable to perform a patch test to check for allergic reactions.

A person should speak with a doctor about ingesting neem due to the potential risks outlined below.

May promote hair health

Neem seed extract contains azadirachtin, an active compound that may fight parasites that affect hair and skin, such as lice. Azadirachtin works by disrupting parasite growth and interfering with reproduction and other cellular processes (9Trusted Source).

In a study that tested the efficacy of a neem-based shampoo on head lice in children, leaving shampoo in the hair for 10 minutes killed the lice while being gentle on the skin (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).

Neem extract and nimbidin, a compound found in neem oil, may also treat dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Dandruff and scalp irritation may result from fungal buildup on the scalp (8Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source).

May boost dental and oral health

Chewing neem bark to promote oral hygiene is a common practice in India (13Trusted Source).

Neem’s antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties may promote oral health. Although more research is needed, studies indicate that neem may relieve pain and help treat gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay (3Trusted Source).

Furthermore, test-tube studies suggest that neem may minimize bacteria’s ability to colonize the surface of your teeth, thus reducing plaque formation (14Trusted Source).

Plus, in a 21-day study including 45 people with gingivitis, neem mouthwash was found to be as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash — a heavy duty prescription mouthwash — at reducing gum bleeding and plaque (15Trusted Source).

May aid liver and kidney health

Neem’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help fight oxidative stress, which may in turn promote liver and kidney health.

Oxidative stress is caused by a buildup of unstable molecules called free radicals. Although your body naturally produces free radicals as a byproduct of metabolism, external sources increase their presence.

Some drugs, including cancer medication, painkillers, and antipsychotics, may contribute to oxidative stress, leading to tissue damage in your liver and kidneys (16Trusted Source).

Interestingly, one study on rats found that neem leaf extract reduced liver damage induced by high-dose acetaminophen (17Trusted Source).

Another rat study showed similar effects, suggesting that neem extract improved kidney tissue damage caused by chemotherapy medication (18Trusted Source).

However, studies in humans are needed.

May improve skin health

Neem seed oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linoleic acids. Collectively, these fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that promote healthy skin (19Trusted Source).

Keep in mind that while Ayurvedic medicine — an Indian traditional healing system — uses neem to treat psoriasis and eczema, very few scientific studies support these claims (20Trusted Source).

Acne

Historically, neem has been used to treat acne, reduce blemishes, and improve skin elasticity (21).

Indeed, studies suggest that neem oil’s antibacterial properties combat acne.

A test-tube study showed that neem oil may aid long-term acne treatment when added to solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), a new type of drug formulation that offers a stable release of active ingredients (21).

All the same, research in humans is necessary.

Ulcer and wound healing

Animal studies suggest that neem leaf extract accelerates wound healing through an increased inflammatory response and the formation of new blood vessels (8Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).

In a 2013, 34-day case study, applying 100 mg of neem oil topically twice daily completely healed chronic skin ulcers (23Trusted Source).

In another study, 6 people with intestinal ulcers took 30 mg of neem extract orally twice daily. After 10 days, acid secretion had declined significantly, and after 10 weeks, the ulcers were almost completely healed (24Trusted Source).

Yet, this was a fairly small study. More human research is needed.

Other potential benefits

Neem may have several other health benefits, though results are mixed, and further studies in people are necessary.

Antimalarial effects

Neem contains active compounds called limonoids. A study in mice found that limonoids may be as effective at targeting malaria-infected cells as conventional treatments using chloroquine (2Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).

However, some test-tube studies show no positive effect of neem extract on malaria outcomes (26Trusted Source).

Keep in mind that neem is not widely used to treat malaria at this time.

Antifertility treatment

Neem has also been considered as an alternative to a vasectomy due to its antifertility effects. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that sterilizes people with testicles by stopping the release of sperm.

Animal studies note that neem may immobilize and kill sperm with no long-term consequences (2Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source).

Diabetes management

Some animal studies indicate that neem leaf extract may be a candidate for new diabetes medications (4Trusted Source, 5, 8Trusted Source).

That’s because neem extract may help revive cells that produce insulin — the hormone that helps control blood sugar — and lower blood sugar levels (28Trusted Source).

All the same, human studies are lacking.