Neem

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Neem, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

Neem has been used in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine, but studies on safety and effectiveness are lacking.

Neem is an herb that is used as food, in traditional medicine for skin conditions, and for stomach ailments. It is also used as a disinfectant against pests and parasites. Some lab studies show that neem extracts have anticancer activities by inhibiting cancer cell growth. However, there are no human studies showing it to be an effective cancer treatment.

Although rare, serious adverse reactions caused by swallowing neem oil have been reported in both children and adults.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • Ulcers
    A small study found neem bark extract effective in reducing stomach acid secretion without any adverse effects. More studies are needed in humans.
  • Cancer
    In vitro studies suggest that neem can inhibit cancer cell growth. It has not been studied as a treatment for cancer.
  • Antiviral
    Neem extract increased CD4+ cell count and bodyweight in a small number of HIV+ volunteers. More studies are needed.
  • Oral hygiene
    Neem can reduce oral plaque and bacterial count. It is used as mouth rinse in traditional medicine.

What are the side effects?

Oral (Rare case reports): Vomiting, drowsiness, diarrhea, vision loss, toxicity to the nervous system, poisoning, seizures, and brain damage from swallowing neem oil.

Topical: Rash; itchy, dry or reddened skin

What else do I need to know?

Patient Warnings:

Swallowing neem oil has caused severe poisoning in both children and adults.