NEEM OIL

NEEM OIL

DESCRIPTION

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a member of the Meliaceae family. It is a fast-growing tree with an average height of 20–30 m. It is commonly found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It is dark thick liquid at room temperature. It clouds and solidifies at temperatures below 59 ⁰F/ 15℃. If oil has solidified, gently thaw by exposing to temperatures over 80 ⁰F/26 ℃ (US EPA). It has a pungent and earthy odour.

HISTORY

In Chinese, Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medicine, over 700 distinct herbal remedies based on Neem have been prescribed for the treatment and prevention of wide range of ailments [18]. Kumar 2013 have compiled the history of Neem dated back to 350 years ago including scripts on a palm leaf which describes medicinal benefits of Neem extracts [19].  Due to its beneficial usage in diverse conditions, its brags many titles, some are “Reliever of Sickness”, “Bestower of Good Health”, “Curator of All Ailments and Ills”, “Village Dispensary” and “Tree of the 21st century” by United Nations [19].

EXTRACTION

Many methods have been used for extraction the of Neem oil, the most common among which are mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. In mechanical extraction method, Neem oil is extracted by mechanical crushing of the seed at controlled or cold temperature. Mechanical extraction technique is most commonly used because of it is convenient, solvent-free, economical, and about 82% of Neem oil is extracted using this method [17].

CHEMISTRY

We know that Neem is a unique plant which is beneficial to humans and not much liked by pests. Let’s dive into its chemistry to know the reason!

Various parts of Neem plant possess numerous herbal compounds with wide range of applications. A short list of them with their salient features has been listed below [27]:

  1. Leaves: Quercetin (a polyphenolic flavonoid) is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may account for the curative properties of leaves for sores and scabies.
  2. Flowers: Limonoids like nimocinolide and isonimocinolide affect reproduction in house flies and show mutagenic properties in mosquitoes.
  3. Stem/Bark: The bark contains anti-inflammatory polysaccharide and several diterpenoids, viz., nimbinone, nimbolicin, margocin, nimbidiol, nimbione, etc. having anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties.
  4. Gum/Sap: They contains free sugars, amino acids and organic acids which have been reported to be useful in the treatment of general weakness and skin diseases.
  5. Seed: Large number of bitter principles (Azadirachtin, Azadiradione, Fraxinellone, Nimbin, Salannin, Salannol, Vepinin, Vilasinin, etc.) in considerable quantities are found in seeds of the plant. Azadirachtin has proven effectiveness as a pesticide against about 300 insect species and is reported as non-toxic to humans.

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

Neem oil posses’ plethora of medicinal uses from skin care, dental care, anti-microbial to be a fertilizer. It is largely believed that there is no environmental hazard and risk of human health from Neem oil due to its plant origin [17]. Luckily, we are living in 21st century and by now more than 11000 scientific journals have been published so far on various aspects of Neem plant [28]. Few clinical trials and researches have been summarized amongst the tiresome list to get an idea of its versatility Figure 1.

 

Figure 1: An overview of pharmacological and clinical studies based on Neem extracts

BENEFITS OF NEEM OIL

Neem oil is a rich source of antioxidant and various complex constituents including nimbin, nimbidin, nimbolide, and limonoids which play role in diseases management, skin care applications and pesticides. Broad spectrum of topical application of Neem oil are:

  1. Skin nourishing and protection: Neem oil supports healthy skin since it is rich in fatty acids including oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acid. Additionally, the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols aids in shielding the skin from germs, inflammation, and oxidation [29]. Apply Neem-based face/body moisturizer once a day will help maintaining skin health.
  2. Soothes skin conditions: Neem oil is useful in treating a variety of skin disorders, such as ringworm, acne, psoriasis, eczema, warts, and other skin infections [29]. Additionally, Neem oil does not clog pores because it is non-comedogenic, that is to say, it not only has healing qualities but also stops more breakdowns. Regular application of Neem Oil not only restores the skin's moisture but also minimizes the appearance of undesired scars and blemishes. Furthermore, its anti bacterial properties can simultaneously help to preserve the exposed skin against environmental stressors. It has also been used for fading of imperfections like dark spots, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. Note that while it can lessen the appearance of scars you currently have, it cannot remove them.
  3. Anti-aging effects: Neem has already been known to have wound healing properties [22]. The study by Emeka et al. 2013 have clinically observed decreased keratinization, a markedly fibrous dermis and absence of inflammatory cells on rats. Neem oil have been proved against wrinkles, fibroblast proliferation and formation of collagen fibers.
  4. Face mask/ Body wash: Neem is well-known for its purifying properties and helps lift away impurities from normal to oily skin. Current market has plenty of Neem-based face mask, scrubs and body wash promoting glowing skin tone with cleansing action. Some famous face wash and cleanser brands with Neem oil are Himalaya, Medimix, Organzo, Patanjali, Shahnaj Hussain.
  5. Hair oil: Neem oil imparts strength and protection to hair by surface coating and deeper penetration by filling the gaps caused by oxidative damage and environmental stressors. It also fights scalp dryness, dandruff due to its richness in fatty acid content and antimicrobial properties which promote overall scalp wellbeing.
  6. Shampoo/Conditioner: Used for centuries, Neem protects, nourishes and moisturizes hair. It aids in dry and itchy scalp, hair rejuvenation and hair damage protection.
  7. Sunscreen: According to a phytochemical study, Neem has an SPF of 6.3 [30], which suggests that Neem extracts may help shield the skin from sunburns. These days, Neem is frequently used in natural sunscreens that protect against UV damage.
  8. Oral care: In Ayurveda, Neem was traditionally utilized to treat dental conditions. It can relieve inflamed gums and provide better oral protection because of its astringent and cleaning qualities. With strong antibacterial properties, Neem fight against harmful bacteria in the mouth preventing plaque accumulation, risk of gum disease and cavities. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe gum inflammation, ease pain, and supports gum health, making it an ideal choice for gingivitis or periodontal patients. Additionally, it combats bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling clean and refreshed all day. Neem is a common ingredient in mouthwash, toothpaste, and teeth-whitening oral care product.  A study published in “The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice” in 2012 concluded the efficacy of Neem against four microorganisms species commonly found in mouth. [16]. Another study published in “Journal of  Ethnopharmacology “ in 2004 suggested that the dental gel containing Neem extract has significantly reduced the plaque index and bacterial count than that of the control group [15].
  9. Soap and cleansing bar: Neem based soaps and cleansing bar helps promote healthy-looking skin, soothes irritated skin and eliminate excess oil leaving a refreshing skin behind. Together with its anti-microbial [10] and wound healing properties [21], it also combats unpleasant body odours. Famous brands manufacturing soaps and body bars include Himalaya, Margo, Mary Tylor Naturals, Dr. Kohli’s.

Neem Oil in Agriculture/ Organic Farming

  1. Manure/ Fertilizer: As per Neem Foundation [27], Neem is a perfect life-saver for your kitchen garden and nursery. The commercialization of Neem as fertilizer all around the globe will itself describe its stand on its efficacy. Some commercial formulations of Neem as fertilizer include OzoNeem Cake (Ozone Biotec, India), Plan “B” Organics–NeemCake (Plan “B” Organics, USA), FortuNeem Cake (Fortune Biotech, USA), Bio Neem OilFoliar (FUSA –Fertilizers, USA), Neem Cake (Unibell Corporation, Russia), OzoNeem Coat (Ozone Biotech, India), Parker Neem Coat (Parker Neem, India), Neem Urea Guard (Neemex, India),  FortuNeem Coat (Fortune Biotech, USA) [20].
  2. Insecticide/ Pesticide/ Bug spray: Using Neem derivatives for managing pests is a non-violent approach to controlling pests. Neem products work by intervening at several stages of the insect’s life. They may not kill the pest instantaneously but incapacitate it in several ways. Neem very subtly employs effects such as repellence, feeding and ovipositional deterrence, growth inhibition, mating disruption, chemo-sterilization, etc. Neem extract are beneficial against leaf eating caterpillars, grubs, locusts and grasshoppers [27]. Interested readers can take a dive into research published in “Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association” in 1999 which has compiled a long list of insects and field trial results which used Neem extracts as pesticides. Some of those pests includes flies, mosquitos, triatomine bugs, cockroaches, fleas, lice, sand flies and ticks [1].  Another study reported 100% mortality rates in rats when injected with 0.1 g/mL Azadirachta indica (Neem) after 48 hours [7].

The commercial pesticide formulations of Neem products by companies are AZenriched, Margosan-O (Vikwood Ltd., WI, USA), Azatin WP4.5, Azatin EC4.5, Azad WP10, Azad EC45., Neernix EC0.25 (Thermotrilogy Co., Columbia, MD, USA); BioNeem and Neemesis (Ringer Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA); Neemazal (Trifolio M, GmBH, Germany),  Safer's ENI by Safer Ltd. (Victoria, BC, Canada), RD-9 Repelin (ITC Ltd., Andhra Pradesh, India), Neemgard (Gharda Chemicals, Bombay, India), Neemark (West Coast Herbochem, Bombay, India) [1].

  1. Neem coating/packaging: Neem coating is done to preserve seeds/foods as is effective against pathogenic fungi/ microorganism. Neem oil is increasingly being recognized as an organic means of preserving food through its nano-emulsion and bio-polymer based food packaging films and coatings [17]. Coating of Neem on urea make it a slow-release fertilizer, making nitrogen release for longer run [27].

NEEM OIL IN COSMETIC INDUSTRY

The beauty of Neem oil is that despite being a therapeutic product, it’s a versatile cosmetic ingredient too. While the age-old tales of Neem oil's efficacy is valuable, its scientific backing and unique composition is what really sets it apart from other oils. Whether for skin, hair, dental or makeup, Neem products can easily be found on market. Using a random sampling roughly 1,600+ products listed in [31], an attempt has been made to comprehend the use of Neem oils in current market products (Figure 2). Note that not all market products are not included in the data displayed, and numbers may vary.

Figure 2: (a) Neem oil distribution amongst personal care market products, (b) Neem oil distribution amongst face/body products

Neem oil is an ingredient in 72% of products that are used for make-up, skin/ bodycare (Figure 2a). Among face/body cream category facial moisturizer/treatment and anti-aging creams were prevalent. In makeup products,  face masks, around eye-cream, lip makeup and foundations were more common. Similarly, in toiletries, tothpaste, mouthwash and soap were frequently found wheras in hair care, neem based shampoo, conditioner and treatment serum takes a bigger share. A wide range of products in the market today [32] clearly reflect Neem oil presence in the personal care market.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH USING NEEM OIL

Neem oil although is considered non-toxic for topical applications, however, have been seen mild allergic to sensitive skin. Therefore, it is crucial to use it safely and responsibly. It is advisable to do a patch test on your skin if you have never tried Neem oil before.  In case of adverse effects, please discontinue its use and consult your physician.

IMPORTANT: Unless otherwise stated, all products made by Pureoyl Healthcare Inc. are intended solely for external usage. Anyone who is pregnant or receiving medical attention shouldn't use this material as it is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. For further information, please see our policies and the disclaimer below.

REFERENCES

  1. Mulla, M.S. and T. Su, Activity and biological effects of neem products against arthropods of medical and veterinary importance. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 1999. 15(2): p. 133-152.
  2. Deng, Y.X., et al., Toxicological evaluation of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil: acute and subacute toxicity. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol, 2013. 35(2): p. 240-6.
  3. Khan, M.F. and S.M. Ahmed, Toxicity of Crude Neem Leaf Extract Against Housefly Musca domestica L. Adults as compared with DDVP. Dichlovos. Turkish Journal of Zoology, 2000. 24(2): p. 219-223.
  4. Kumar, K.G., et al., The neem limonoids azadirachtin and nimbolide inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in an animal model of oral oncogenesis. Invest New Drugs, 2010. 28(4): p. 392-401.
  5. Singh, A., et al., Neem Leaf Glycoprotein in immunoregulation of cancer. Hum Immunol, 2022. 83(11): p. 768-777.
  6. Paul, R., M. Prasad, and N.K. Sah, Anticancer biology of Azadirachta indica L (neem): a mini review. Cancer Biol Ther, 2011. 12(6): p. 467-76.
  7. Bakr, S.A., Evaluation of acute toxicity of water extract of Azadirachta indica leaves and seeds in rats. Pakistan Journal of biological Sciences, 2013. 16(14): p. 697-700.
  8. Nathan, S.S., K. Kalaivani, and K. Murugan, Effects of neem limonoids on the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae). Acta Trop, 2005. 96(1): p. 47-55.
  9. Osanaiye, A.B.C., et al., Antimalarial effect of Neem leaf and Neem stem bark extracts on Plasmodium Berghei infected in the pathology and treatment of malaria. International Journal of Research in Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2013.
  10. Zhang, Y.Q., et al., Isolation and identification of the antibacterial active compound from petroleum ether extract of neem oil. Fitoterapia, 2010. 81(7): p. 747-50.
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dental pathogens. Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research, 2012. 2(1): p. 6-10.

  1. Sarkar, S., R.P. Singh, and G. Bhattacharya, Exploring the role of Azadirachta indica (neem) and its active compounds in the regulation of biological pathways: an update on molecular approach. 3 Biotech, 2021. 11(4): p. 178.
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  4. Pai, M.R., L.D. Acharya, and N. Udupa, Evaluation of antiplaque activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extract gel--a 6-week clinical study. J Ethnopharmacol, 2004. 90(1): p. 99-103.
  5. Chava, V.R., et al., The Efficacy of Neem Extract on Four Microorganisms Responsible for causing Dental Caries viz Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguis: An in vitro Study. The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, 2012. 13(6): p. 769-772.
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  11. Emeka, O.A., et al., The Wound Healing Effects of Aqueous Leave Extracts of

Azadirachta Indica on Wistar Rats. Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 2013. 3(6).

  1. Patil, P., et al., Antidiabetic activity of alcoholic extract of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) root bark. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2013. 3(2).
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