Neem

Drug-herb combination. I'll report news of a surprising study by Japanese scientists. They combined the pharmaceutical anti-herpes drug, acyclovir (Zovirax), with any one of four tannin-rich herbal extracts: Japanese avens (Geum japonicum), Javanese sumac (Rhus javanica), cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) and chebula (Terminalia chebula). The combination treatment worked significantly better than acyclovir alone or the herbs alone. Because acyclovir is a prescription drug, you'll have to ask your doctor about trying this one.

tannins

We have formulated a Polyherbal foaming Tablet/pessary and gel (cream). The active principles are purified extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves, saponins from Sappindus mukerosi and Mentha citrata oil. Each one of the ingredients has spermicidal and anti microbial action. Their combination has synergistic action. Quality control and quality assurance criteria have been worked out to assure reproducibility of batches.

Latin Name : Sapindus mukorossi English Name : Soapnut-tree of North India Sanskrit / Indian Names : Phenila, Arishta
A deciduous tree found wild in north India, usually with 5-10 pairs of leaves, solitary with large drupes. The fruit is valued for the saponins (10.1 %) present in the pericarp which constitutes up to 56.5 per cent of the drupe. The fruits are credited with expectorant and emetic properties and are used in the treatment of excessive salivation, epilepsy and chlorosis. The powdered seeds are said to possess insecticide properties. They are employed in the treatment of dental caries. It cleanses the skin of oily secretion and is even used as a cleanser for washing hair and a hair tonic, and forms a rich, natural lather. Its detergent action, which cleanses the hair and removes, accumulated debris and a sebaceous material further more imparting speculiar reflection and hair luster. Used in Cleansing Lotion, Protein Shampoo, Protein Shampoo with Conditioner. Click here to view detailed Herbal Monograph

Garg S Taluja V Upadhyay SN Talwar GP Studies on the contraceptive efficacy of Praneem polyherbal cream. In: Contraception (1993 Dec) 48(6):591-6 ISSN: 0010-7824 Praneem polyherbal cream, a spermicidal formulation, has been developed at the National Institute of Immunology, which makes use of Praneem, a purified extract from the dried seeds of an ancient Indian plant Azadirachta indica (Neem), extract from the pericarp of fruits of Sapindus species and quinine hydrochloride. These ingredients have a synergistic spermicidal activity and an optimised formula was derived. The components were made into a water-soluble cream base prepared by using pharmaceutically acceptable base and stabilised by addition of IP grade antioxidant and preservatives. The cream is devoid of irritation and sensitization potential, as seen with standard Draize test on normal and abraded skin of rabbits and by 21- day cumulative skin sensitivity in human volunteers. The formulation was found to be safe under subacute toxicity studies in monkeys. The formulation has shown high contraceptive efficacy in rabbits and in monkeys after intravaginal application. The shelf-life of the cream at room temperature is estimated to be 18 months by accelerated stability studies. Registry Numbers: 130-95-0 (Quinine)

http://maxpages.com/neemtree/NEEM_PRODUCTS 

Research from India, China, and other countries has increased knowledge about the spermicidal characteristics of plant-based compounds such as Neem (Azadirachta indica). Researchers from South to South Cooperation in Reproductive Health are evaluating "Praneem polyherbal" cream and suppositories composed of three active ingredients: Neem seed extract (Praneem); soapnut extract (Sapindus mukerossi); and quinine hydrochloride (for anti-HIV action). Praneem polyherbal cream has exhibited high spermicidal efficacy in animal studies and is being evaluated as a treatment for vaginal infections.⁴Other plant extracts being investigated as possible spermicides with antimicrobial/antiviral properties include papain from papaya and gossypol (see Methods for Men , below ).

Tests in Germany show that neem extracts are toxic to the herpes virus.  Neem has anti-viral compounds that may prevent transmission and infection if a neem-based cream is used as a lubricant for intercourse.  

If already contracted, neem oil has reduced the severity of genital herpes attacks when applied to the afflicted area.  Genital herpes sufferers who have used neem on the sores report a tremendous reduction in the number and severity of eruptions.   

Drinking two cups of neem leaf tea or taking neem capsules will enhance the immune system in its response to the virus.

Herpasil (5% Prunella Topical Balm)			$ 29.95 (US) Become one of our thousands of satisfied customers today! Quantity:   What causes Genital Herpes? Genital herpes simplex is caused by a virus known as Herpes Simplex Virus-2. The STD affects millions of people. It causes painful blisters and sores in and around the genital area. How do you get it? It is easily spread. Genital herpes is generally spread from an infected person to another by having sex which also includes oral and anal sex. It can be spread even if blisters and sores can not be seen on the other person. What are the symptoms?? painful, fluid filled blisters or sores which will burst in 10-21 days to give small, painful ulcers Lymph nodes in the groin area can get enlarged painful urination, especially in women burning, tingling or itching in the genital area discharge from genitals of males and females fever and body aches Sometimes, you can get cold sores around the mouth *** For some people, there may be no symptoms *** Where can I get help? a doctor a clinic a hospital school nurse parents, relatives, friends look in the yellow pages for support groups or hotlines near you or call: Herpes Resource Center 1-800-227-8922 National Herpes Hotline 1-919-361-8488 Visit the SkinChoice discussion forum on herpes for information or to post a question Purchase Herpasil which has an ingredient shown to stop intracellular infections by up to 100% (can help stop the blisters from appearing and /or shorten the outbreak) How can I prevent it? The best prevention is abstinence- don't have sex with multiple and unknown partners! However if you are sexually active, always use a condom. A condom is not a 100% guarantee, but does greatly reduce the risks of contagion. If you think that you might have herpes, stop having sex until you have been tested. If you do have herpes, you should not have sex when blisters and sores are present. Be honest with your partner about your condition and concerns.
Oral Herpes (Simplex I) - in and around mouth and lips Genital Herpes (Simplex II) -on or around genitalia
" Reduced the 20 h yield of intracellular infection by up to 100%" July, 1999 - Researchers and Scientists form Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada publish a study with startling results: A substance isolated from the plant Prunella Vulgaris is active against Herpes Simplex 1 and 2. This substance, in laboratory studies, was MORE effective than the commonly prescribed drug Heparin, and reduced the 20 h yield of intracellular infection by up to 100%. Click here to review the article. Soothing begins immediuately upon application All Natural Ingredients include: Lemon Balm Slippery elm bark Comfrey St. John's Wort Plantain Leaf Prunella Vulgaris Extract Calendula Essential oils of Tea Tree, Hyssop Flower, and grapefruit. Echinacea Black Walnut hulls These ingredients are then "suspended" in a base of Bees wax, and almond oil.   The isolated substance from the main active ingredient in this balm has been shown to battle Herpes Simplex 1 and 2, the viruses that cause cold sores and Genital Herpes! We spent nearly two years developing this product in conjunction with Dermatologists, Pharmacists and Universities. It is made in a special laboratory, exclusively for SkinChoice. Suspended in a soothing balm also containing Melissa Officianalis, long prized by herpes sufferers for its effectiveness, this combination of compounds provides IMMEDIATE relief. If applied to the affected area at the first signs of an outbreak, it may help significantly reduce the duration of suffering (normally 1-3 weeks) and if applied at the first sign, may help stave off the outbreak completely! We are the first and only company to offer an ointment like this, without prescription, containing the isolated compounds from Prunella Vulgaris. You won't find this product, or anything nearly as good, anywhere else on the planet! Safe, effective and completely confidential, why would you consider any thing else? Make the right choice - SkinChoice. Become one of our thousands of satisfied customers today!

San Diego -- In the first of two reports describing novel approaches to the sexually- transmitted disease herpes, a new animal study suggests that a cream applied before sexual intercourse may prevent infection with the disease.

If the cream proves effective in humans, it will offer women another way to protect themselves from the sexually transmitted disease.

In the study, researchers found that when a chemical compound called CTC-96 was applied vaginally to mice, none of the mice became infected after being exposed to herpes simplex-2 virus (HSV-2). And even when the strength of the cream was drastically reduced, only half of the mice contracted the virus, as reported at the ICAAC conference.

The researchers also have data showing that the cream can prevent herpes infection after exposure to the virus, although the evidence for this is still preliminary.

Another study found that a traditional Chinese remedy may help treat the symptoms of the disease. An extract of the plant Prunella vulgaris can relieve the symptoms of both HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Traditionally used in China to soothe sores, the substance helps speed up the healing of sores on both the genitals and around the mouth. The researchers believe that the compound works in two ways: by stopping the virus from growing within cells and by preventing it from binding to cells. The treatment holds promise, the investigators said, especially in cases when a person has become resistant to other available treatments.

erpeStat™ Medicated Cream is the result of over four years of medical research - a laboratory tested non-prescription, self-treatment for oral and genital herpes. HerpeStat™ is a safe and effective medication for herpes sores. It consists of an emollient cream formulation containing 1% Prunella vulgaris extract that is standardized for the PVP-E active compound. 15 gm (1/2 oz.) ointment tube.

Other interesting ingredients:

http://www.forces-of-nature.net/herpes/treatment.htm terpene extracts?

Herpes simplex 1 screening of 472 plants found 10 effective: Aristolochia debilis, Artemisia anomala, Lindera strychnifolia, Patrinia villosa, Pinus massoniana, Prunella vulgaris, Pyrrosia lingua, Rhus chinensis, Sargussum fusiforme & Taraxacum mongolicum Zheng 1990

 

HERPESVIRUS

Prunella vulgaris has powers in vitro SAN DIEGO-An herb could humble herpes.   So say researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax who’ve isolated a compound in the Chinese herbal plant Prunella vulgaris that inhibits both HSV-1 and -2 in vitro.   Drs. Spencer Lee and Song Lee, noting that boiled extract from the plant is a time-honored agent against the skin lesions in Asia, say an anionic carbohydrate in the herb stops both viral growth and production of visible lesions when added to infected cells during early and late stages of infection.   They suspect it works in part by competing for cell receptors and by unknown mechanisms after the virus penetrates the cell. It was effective against viral strains known to be resistant to acyclovir (Zovirax, Glaxo Wellcome), and wasn’t toxic to mammalian cells up to the highest concentration tested, Dr. Spencer Lee told the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy here.

This Traditional Chinese topical herpes cream or ointment kills HSV I and II on contact which can reduce the risk of infection and improves healing. In addition, it also stops the herpes simplex virus from replication which also improves healing rate.

INTRODUCING: The First Herbal Topical Supplement for Cold Sores and Genital Herpes that promotes and maintains Healthy Lips and Skin, and also provides a protective barrier against Bacteria and Virus.

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Herpes Information:

Cold Sores or Fever Blisters are caused by a virus, the Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV I) and less commonly HSV II which normally affects the genital region. Whereas, Genital Herpes is normally caused by HSV II and less commonly by HSV I. HSV II is considered a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD).

This Virus hides near your nervous system of the affected area indefinitely and thus a cure for Cold Sores or Genital Herpes has yet to be discovered. During the replication phase of the hibernating virus, sensitive blisters appear and can last up to 3 weeks. These blisters typically recur at the same location of the lip, face or genital area. Therefore, claims by other lip treatment manufactures to offer a cure for this is simply a waste of your time and money.

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Herpes Treatment Options:

Oral prescription treatment is widely considered the Gold Standard in effectiveness for this STD. But not all anti-viral Oral prescription treatments have the same success rate for genital herpes. Caution should also be exercised with Herbal ORAL preparations because side-effect and drug-drug interaction studies have likely not been done to the extent of ORAL prescriptions. Also, anti-viral Topical prescriptions can typically reduce out-break duration for Cold Sores or Fever Blisters, but are expensive and sold in small amounts like 2 grams.

Prescription cream medications such as acyclovir and penciclovir have shown to be effective against Cold Sores because they produce anti-viral effects against HSV I but less so with HSV II. Whereas the herbal flower in Yang Zhi Herbal™ has been shown to be equally effective as treatment for both types of Herpes, including strains known to be resistant to some prescription creams.

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The Yang Zhi Herbal Advantage:

Yang Zhi Herbal™ is effective treatment that is affordable. This Chinese herb (found only along the Yang Zhi River) has been used in Eastern Medicine as a topical agent against bacteria and fungus for centuries. Most recently, it has been shown to have anti-HSV I & II activity superior to some prescription creams.

In 1999, results showed resolution of active cold sores in 3 days for individuals with recurrent episodes (8 to 10 outbreaks per year). Results in 2001 showed resolution of exposed genital herpes in less than 5 days. Most recently, an improved rate of active cold sores or genital herpes resolution have been shown with the combination of Yang Zhi Herbal™ and ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication that in most cases will reduce the inflammation and swelling of active herpes blisters or sores.

Also, recurrent acne around the lips, nose, and chin area that do not respond to conventional acne treatment may be the herpes simple virus (HSV). This type of facial acne typically does not improve for weeks and may not completely resolve. Yang Zhi Herbal™ can rapidly improve these HSV infected areas. Use as directed to STOP the recurrence of Herpes.

Our specially formulated Chinese Herbal Emollient has two mechanisms of action. It stops the Cold Sore and Genital Herpes Virus from replicating which stops the unsightly Sores from forming. Also it kills the herpes virus on contact which helps to limit your risk of getting a herpes infection. This cream/ointment gives high penetration, transparent, and odorless protection against the virus. Resolves active Cold Sore blisters in 2-3 days. Just like prescription formulas. Yang Zhi Herbal™ has anti-viral effects against HSV I and HSV II but at a fraction the cost. Safe to use after sexual contact.

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Comment Section:

To date we have allowed our little known products to speak on their own. Below is an example of how we value our repeat customers and their satisfaction received.

"I want to thank you for the free bottle of each of the items that I ordered. I tried the fever blister ointment a while ago, when I had a fever blister occur and your product definitely works much faster then any of the products that I bought in the drug store."

Vince De Gregory of Los Angeles, CA.

"I have had genital herpes for over 20 years. I have tried Prescription creams and pills and had very little noticable affect on the frequency and length of my outbreaks. When I tried the Yang Zhi Ointment, the duration of my infection was cut almost in half and frequency of infections is much less, now about 4 times a year. The size of the infection is also smaller. I can honestly say this product does exactly what they say it will do. I have been using it for two years now and highly recommend it over the prescription alternatives Your product works great. It heals my genital herpes infection faster and with less frequent reoccurance."

Charlie, California

"This is effective treatment. Yang Zhi Herbal™ herpes topical cream or ointment heals active herpes blisters rapidly and with regular use can stop recurrence of either herpes simplex I or II. A legitimate and excellent alternative to high priced prescription drugs, without the systemic side effects. If you get an unsightly cold sore or fever blister once or twice a year, then be prepared to never get one again."

Haselman, PhD., MD.

 

Repeat orders please contact us to insure your FREE PRODUCT.

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Results:

Yang Zhi Herbal™ is effective treatment that is affordable. In 1999, results showed resolution of active cold sores in 3 days for individuals with recurrent episodes (8 to 10 outbreaks per year). Results in 2001 showed resolution of exposed genital herpes in less than 5 days. Use as directed to STOP the recurrence of Herpes.

Order today. 90 day money back guarantee.

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Pricing:

$16.95 plus shipping and handling. You may also send US money order to the address at top of page. Now available 2 day delivery. Click on the "Order Now" box to see order choices. Paysystems is our merchant.

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Researchers in the US Department of Agriculture have been studying this property of Neem since 1972. In laboratory experiments, it has been found that the various parts of this Neem tree has remarkable powers for controlling insects, that entomologists believe that it is now possible to develop safe natural "pesticides".

Neem leaves contain an ingredient that disrupts the fungi that produce aflatoxin on mouldy peanuts, corn, and other foods — it leaves the fungi alive, but switches off their ability to produce aflatoxin, the most powerful carcinogen known.

Neem products benefit human health.

The seeds and leaves contain compounds with demonstrated antiseptic, antiviral, and antifungal activity. There is also evidence that Neem has anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, and anti-ulcer effects.

Research has shown that compounds of Neem bark are strongly antiseptic. Neem is also effective in taking care of dental hygiene. In Germany, tests have proved that Neem extracts prevent tooth decay, as well as prevent inflammations of the gums.

The crude extract of the oil from Neem seeds can be used for various purposes like heating, lighting, or crude lubricating jobs. Refined, it loses its unpleasant smell and is used in soaps, cosmetics, toothpaste, disinfectants, and various other industrial products without having any harmful side effects.

In conclusion, Neem tree has enormous potential to benefit entire mankind.

Extracted from the bark and leaves of a hardy umbrella-shaped tree, neem can kill infectious bacteria and reduce inflammation and fever.

The neem tree is known in India as "the village pharmacy." For more than 4,500 years, traditional healers have used the bark, seeds, leaves, fruit, gum and oils for dozens of internal and external medical treatments. The most common historical uses of neem were for treatment of skin diseases, inflammation and fevers. Modern research confirms many of the traditional benefits and has revealed new ones.

Neem has demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects as well as benefits for those suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. One of the most intensively studied effects of neem is as an insecticide. Few people of the United States are aware of this versatile tree and its fascinating story.

Neem is a member of the mahogany family and is a hardy, fast-growing evergreen tree. It has a straight trunk, long spreading branches, grows to a height of 50 feet or more and up to 30 feet wide. These stately umbrella-shaped trees have fragrant white flowers about one-half inch across and may live for more than 200 years. While native to India, neem grows in many Asian countries, throughout arid zones of Africa and has been planted in tropical areas of the Western world as well. It thrives in poor soil and has deep roots that allow it to withstand long periods of drought.

Many of the historical and modern day uses of neem and neem oil have been to treat external skin conditions. It's little surprise that when scientists began looking at neem, they found potent antimicrobial activity. Researchers reported the antibacterial effects of the oil from the neem seed against a variety of pathogens (Indian Journal of Medical Research, 1986, vol. 84), and earlier research indicated that a water extract of neem leaves is effective against viruses (Indian Journal of Medical Research, 1969, vol. 57).

Research on the dermatological effects of neem include successful treatment of ringworm and scabies, according to a study from King George's Medical College in Lucknow, India (New Delhi Evening News, Jan. 29, 1985). Another study showed that a 10 percent extract of the leaves prevented viral skin infection in rabbits and monkeys. Leaf extracts also cured acute eczema and scabies (Antiseptic, 1979, vol. 76).

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Neem has been used for treating rheumatism and arthritis as well as other inflammatory conditions. Numerous research studies have confirmed the herb's anti-inflammatory effects including a 1981 study showing anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties of neem when administered orally. In the same year, Indian researchers reported anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory actions of one of the components of neem called nimbidin (Planta Medica, 1981, vol. 43).

Neem's anti-inflammatory actions show different types of activity against acute and chronic inflammation. Neem's strong inhibition of immediate or acute inflammation suggests it prevents the release of inflammation-inducing neurochemicals including prostaglandins. In fact, one 1977 study showed neem extract to be more effective than aspirin in inhibiting prostaglandins (Journal of the West African Science Association, 1977, vol. 22).

This same aspirin-like result may be involved in the fever-reducing effect of neem, documented by some of the same studies, which showed an extract of leaf and bark administered orally could reduce fevers (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1985, vol. 14).

One of the more common fevers in India and throughout the tropics is malaria. Research shows neem is toxic to malaria parasites and that it can reduce fevers in malaria sufferers. Both water- and alcohol-based neem leaf extracts were confirmed effective against the parasite P. falciparum (Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 1985, vol. 16). Though neem might be effective against malaria parasites, it hasn't been shown to prevent malaria infection in the body. Neem has also demonstrated some cardiovascular benefits. Studies showed a "profound and dose dependent" effect in reducing blood pressure and also in reducing arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats (Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1978, vol. 67). The versatile herb may also favorably affect the health of diabetics. In a limited 1973 clinical trial, neem enabled diabetic patients to reduce their dosage of insulin by up to 30 to 50 percent without significant rise in blood sugar (Medicine and Surgery, 1973, vol. 13). Further research showed that oral use of leaf extracts reduced blood sugar in rabbits, rats and guinea pigs (Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 1974, vol. 26, suppl. 111).

Neem's Insecticidal Use

Neem oil is effective against insects in many ways. It's apparently so distasteful that most insects won't eat a plant treated with it, but if they do, a deadly effect occurs. Neem, harmless to humans, disrupts insect hormones, preventing the bugs from shedding their outgrown skins. The insects are thus prevented from growing and eventually die. Neem is effective against at least 200 insects and requires no sophisticated extraction or preparation equipment. Use of neem itself is bound to increase as both its medicinal and insecticidal benefits become more widely known.

The Village Pharmacy

From almost the very beginning of recorded human history, people have taken advantage of the remarkable neem tree. Even before ancient herbalists discovered the analgesic qualities of the willow tree -- from which aspirin is derived -- people used branches, fruit and leaves from the neem to cure many illnesses. Its medicinal qualities are outlined in the earliest Sanskrit writings and its uses in Hindu medicine date back to very remote times. Even today, rural Indians refer to the neem tree as their "village pharmacy" because it cures diseases and disorders ranging from bad teeth and bedbugs to ulcers and malaria.

Modern scientists are finding even more uses for this remarkable tree. The seeds, bark and leaves contain compounds with proven antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti- ulcer and antifungal uses. Although major studies to conclusively prove neem's effectiveness are limited by financing and the general lack of knowledge in the West about it, preliminary studies suggest exciting uses for neem:

A key advantage to using neem, as opposed to some medical treatments and other herbs, is its compliance with the first tenant of the Hippocratic Oath taken by all physicians: "First, cause no harm." Over thousands of years, neem has been used by hundreds of millions of people and no hazards have been documented for normal dosages. Only at very high levels may neem be toxic, something each of us understands can be true of anything taken internally.

In September of 1993, Bahama Neem, Ltd. was formed with a goal of establishing the largest wholly-owned plantation of Neem trees (Azadirachta indica) in the Western Hemisphere. The project was divided into two phases: Phase I: The initial phase of the project required securing a grant of land from the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. A total of 172 acres was granted with an additional 3,000 acres available in phases should the first acreage be fully planted. Next, Neem trees and seeds were secured, a nursery built and necessary equipment acquired. All 172 acres was cleared of extraneous plants while 66 acres was tilled and planted with 4,000 one-year old Neem trees. This phase was funded from internal sources and from secured loans. Phase II: The second phase of the project is already under way . This phase includes tilling the remaining 106 acres, planting 6,300 additional Neem trees, maintained the grove until sustainable harvests are achieved, building a drying and processing plant and acquiring all equipment necessary for the described activities. You can see by the picture on the left that the trees grow well in this location.

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The Neem Tree

Neem Tree - India's "Village Pharmacy"

The neem tree could have been designed by a celestial committee (maybe it was).  A collaboration of   genetic engineers, chemical engineers, pharmacists, agronomists, and dieticians could not have produced a more interesting, and some say, valuable, plant.  I'll let you decide after reading this brief overview.

Azadirachta indica is "tailor-made for combating the serious problems confronting mankind today" says the Neem Foundation.   " Studies through appropriate scientific channels are increasing and verifying the traditional uses and are finding even more uses for neem.  Although major studies to conclusively prove neem's effectiveness are limited by financing and the general lack of knowledge in the West about it, preliminary studies suggest exciting uses for neem."

From the very beginning of recorded human history, people have used the mysterious neem tree. Today, rural Indians call this tree their "village pharmacy" because it "cures" diseases and disorders ranging from bad teeth and bedbugs to ulcers and malaria.  The seeds, bark and leaves contain compounds called limonoids with proven antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antifungal uses.

Neem has a cousin that is a very familiar tree in the United States called the Chinaberry.  Many North Americans are familiar with the abundant Chinaberry tree, Melia azedarach.  Also known as umbrella tree, this naturalized western Asian tree is a colonizer of disturbed sites throughout the South. It can be messy with surface roots, brittle wood, and toxic berries. However, it has an ability to grow in hostile sites and produce desirable shade.

Neem, on the other hand, is a sturdy, broadleaved evergreen.  In the seasonally dry hills of central India,  Azadirachta indica, is very much in existence with the people and animals in villages and along roadsides.  It will defoliate during periods of extreme drought or freezing temperatures. Native to the dry forest areas of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, neem thrives in the dry areas of the tropics and subtropics.

Mature neem trees are capable of withstanding mild freezes and can be grown in some of the United States south, along coastal  California to San Francisco and on the East coast as far north as central Florida. In freeze zones they must be grown potted and taken in during cold snaps.

I was shocked at the reported uses of the neem tree.  Most of this is supported by some scientific study.  Much more investigation is needed, however.

Multitude of Uses and Remedies Include:

• AIDS - The National Institutes of Health reports encouraging results as an AIDS preventative and possible cure using neem extracts.

• Allergies - Neem inhibits allergic reactions when applied externally or eaten.

• Birth control (men) - In India and the United States, trials show neem extracts reduced fertility in male monkeys without inhibiting libido or sperm production, making it potentially the first male birth control pill.

• Birth control (women) - Used as a vaginal lubricant, neem oil was up to 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.

• Cancer/immune - Polysaccharides and limonoids found in neem bark, leaves, and seed oil increased immune responses, reduced tumors and cancers without side effects.

• Diabetes - Oral doses of neem leaf extracts reduced insulin requirements by between 30% and 50% for nonkeytonic, insulin fast and insulin-sensitive diabetes.

• External parasites - Neem quickly kills external parasites and a neem decoction is safer and just as effective as standard treatments for head lice and scabies.

• Heart disease - Neem delays the coagulation of blood, calms erratic heartbeats and helps reduce elevated heart rates and high blood pressure.

• Herpes - Recent tests in Germany show that neem extracts are toxic to the herpes virus and can quickly heal cold sores.

• Hepatitis - Tests in the U.S. show neem hampers the virus that causes hepatitis B.

• Fungal toxin - Neem is toxic to several fungi which attack humans, including those that cause athlete's foot and ringworm, and Candida, an organism that causes yeast infections and thrush.

• Insect repellent - Studies have shown that one neem compound is a more effective insect repellent than the widely used synthetic chemical known as DEET (N,N,-diethyl-m-toluamide), a suspected carcinogen with long periods of use.

• Insecticide - Neem extracts have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use on food crops. It is non-toxic to birds, animals, beneficial insects or man and protects crops from over 200 of the most costly pests.

• Malaria - An active ingredient in neem leaves, called irodin A, is toxic to resistant strains of malaria.

• Psoriasis - Neem seed oil and leaf extracts is suggested to be a cure for psoriasis. It relieves the itching and pain while reducing the scale and redness of the patchy lesions.

• Periodontal disease control - German researchers have proven neem extracts prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.

• Soap/Shampoo - Neem oil soaps can be used to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments.

• Ulcer relief - Neem extracts give significant protection from discomfort and speed the healing of gastric problems.

More Information:

Azadirachtin
A powerful antifeedant most specifically located in the seed kernel.

alt.cancer.com - Neem
"Few plants can claim to be as useful for such a broad array of medical problems as the Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica)."

TheNeemTree.com
"A tree for solving global problems."

Rainforest Plant Seed
Buy Neem seed from Seeds Etc.

Bioagro Neem
"Murkumbi Bioagro is an agri-biotech company based in India. We manufacture and market innovative, eco-friendly agro-inputs and natural products by tapping nature’s resources."

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Bahama Neem

Neem has immuno-stimulating properties for both the lymphocytic and cell-mediated immune systems. When human white blood cells infected with HIV were cultured with neem extracts, the production of viral proteins dropped dramatically. Dr. Upadhyay and Dr. Berre'- Sinousi (one of the scientists who identified the AIDS virus) believe the neem extracts block production of viral proteins thereby stopping replication of the virus. Studies of the effects of neem bark and neem leaf extracts show they significantly reduced the P-24 viral proteins and induced in vitro production of IL-1 interferon. The National Institutes of Health, in a preliminary study, reports encouraging results from in vitro tests where neem bark extracts killed the AIDS virus. Another possible effect neem may have on combating the AIDS virus is its apparent ability to enhance the cell-mediated immune response to infection. Using extracts made by soaking neem bark in water,
Dr. Van Der Nat (Netherlands) determined that the extract produces a strong immune stimulating reaction. The neem bark extract stimulated lymphocyte function which increased production of MIF, a lymphokine that attaches macrophages and monocytes to infectious agents. Believed to be the first line of defense against HIV infection, neem's ability to enhance the cell-mediated immune response may provide protection from vaginal contraction of the disease if neem is used as a vaginal lubricant before intercourse. If even only partially successful in preventing the spread of AIDS, until scientists develop a cure, neem could save countless lives.
In cases where HIV has not advanced to full-blown AIDS some of the patients appear to have the enhanced cell-mediated immune responses that neem can help produce. However, once contracted, AIDS may be treated by ingesting neem leaf extracts, whole leaf or by drinking neem tea. Many of the complications associated with AIDS can also be treated with neem leaf or bark and creams. Lesions of the skin or burning sensations have been successfully treated with neem leaves added to bath water and by lotions containing neem oil.

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Bahama Neem

NEEM AND ITS USES Urinary Tract Infections and Neem Neem's antibiotic and antiviral properties can be delivered to the urinary tract by drinking neem leaf tea made with five (5) neem leaves twice per dayfor one week. Suggested products: Neem Extract ------------------------- Toothache and Neem Neem's pain-relieving compounds will temporarily reduce the discomfort of atoothache. The vasodilation and anti-inflammatory compounds will reduce thepressure on nerves that can cause the toothache. To reduce the pain and inflammation, put a few drops of neem leaf extract and one clove on the gumsnear the site of the pain. Suggested products: Neem Capsules Neem Extract (personal testimony---I have had a gum abcess, and held very strong tea, aswarm as I could stand on my gums-it took away the pain and throbbing of thegum.) -------------------------------- Pyorrhea and Neem Pyorrhea is characterized by an inflammation of the gums and membranes thatcover the roots of the teeth. More teeth are lost by people over age 35 because of this disease than any other cause. In a German study of 70 patients with pyorrhea of varying stages, after just 5 to 10 treatments witha neem-based toothpaste and mouthwash there was significant improvement. Bleeding gums had healed and the secretion from pockets around the teeth hadstopped. The bluish colored gums returned to a healthy pale pink color (Zeppenfeldt, undated). Neem bark is more active than the leaves against certain bacteria and is considerably less bitter making it the neem ingredient of choice in toothpastes and mouthwashes (Vashi and Patel, 1988).Use Neem capsules and Neem Extract to get well Syphilis and Neem Neem has anti-spirochaetal properties so that it works as both as a preventative measure and in the treatment of primary, secondary and tertiarystages of syphilis (Siddiqui and Mitra, 1945); (Bhandari and Mukerjii, 1959); (Puri, 1993). Neem creams used as a vaginal lubricant or birth control may be effective against the syphilis spirochete and may prevent contraction of the disease. As with gonorrhea, creams containing at least 25 percent neem oil were used. Drinking neem tea made three times per day for two weeks is recommended as treatment. Suggested products: Neem Capsules Neem Extract Neem Oil Neem Lotion Neem Soap Neem Creme ------------------------------------ Infectious Diseases and Neem Thrush and Neem Drinking neem leaf tea will promote healing and reduce the pain and inflammation. Children under 12 should only gargle with the tea and not swallow. For the redness appearing on the skin around the mouth, a neem-based cream should be applied regularly until the infection has cleared. ----------------------------------- Yeast Infection and Neem For infections of the skin, rubbing a neem-based cream on the affected areasseveral times per day, especially after washing or getting the area wet, will relieve the itching, heal the skin and get rid of the infection. For vaginal yeast infections, a neem-based cream can be applied with cotton swabs or douche with neem leaf extract. Drinking three cups of neem tea forseveral days will help rid the body of both external and internal infection.------------------------------------ Warts and Neem Neem absorbs viruses and prevents them from infecting cells. Since warts are caused by viruses, neem is effective in treating them. To treat the wart, cover it with whole neem leaves or soak the gauze portion of a small bandage with neem leaf extract or a neem based cream and place it over the wart. Change the bandage and reapply daily. After a week, check the area to determine the progress of the treatment. Suggested products: Neem Oil Neem Lotion Neem Creme Neem Soap Neem Capsules --------------------------------- Cancer and Neem The neem tree has been used successfully for centuries to reduce tumors by herbalists throughout Southeast Asia. Researchers in India, Europe and Japanhave now found that polysaccharides and limonoids found in neem bark, leavesand seed oil reduced tumors and cancers (Fujiwara, 1982); (Chatterjee, 1961); (Hartwell, 1983) and showed effectiveness against lymphocytic leukemia (Pettit, 1983). In several patents issued in Japan hot water neem bark extracts showed remarkable effectiveness against several types of tumors. (Shimizu et al, 1985) Several types of extract were tested at different doses and compared to the effectiveness of a standard anti-canceragent. Several of the extracts were equal to or better than the standard anti-cancer agent against solid tumors. When the tests were done using a more purified extract of neem bark, the results were even more impressive against solid tumors. But the extracts tested were still very crude when compared to the extremely purified active compounds typically used in treating tumors. Further studies using truly pure active compounds are expected to produce results at least equal to the control. Another researcher used an extract of neem leaves to prevent the adhesion ofcancer cells to other cells in the body. (Udeinya, 1994) Without the abilityto stick to other cells, cancers cannot spread through the body and are moreeasily destroyed by the body's own immune system or by other treatments. In general, neem is known for its ability to effect cancers. Injections of neem extract around tumors showed remarkable reduction in size in just a fewweeks. Skin cancers may be particularly responsive to neem. A number of reports have been made by patients that skin cancers have disappeared afterseveral months of daily application of a neem based cream. ----------------------------------- Neem is regularly taken to correct problems with the stomach and bowels. Neem promotes a healthy digestive system by protecting the stomach, aiding inelimination and removing toxins and harmful bacteria. Research article index Gastritis Heartburn/Indigestion Hemorrhoids Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers Suggested products: Neem Creme Neem Lotion Neem Extract Neem Capsules ------------------------------------ Chagas Disease and Neem Called the "American sleeping sickness", neem extracts prevent the deadly chagas disease (Beard, 1989) by preventing the parasite that causes it fromsurviving in its host, the biting "kissing bug". A single dose of azadirachtin given to the "kissing bug" provided permanent resistance to theparasite T.cruzi, thereby preventing transmission to humans (Gonzales and Garcia, 1992). By inoculating the "kissing bug" against infection by the parasite instead of simply poisoning the host, a buildup of resistance is reduced. Neem leaf or seed extracts sprayed throughout the home where the kissing bug lives eliminate the parasite and prevents the kissing bug from laying eggs. Drinking neem teas may also prevent infection by transferringneem extract to the bug as they take blood. Suggested products: Neem Extract Neem Capsules Neem Outdoor Spray ------------------------------- Skin Ulcers and Neem Skin ulcers should be washed with a neem soap and covered with a neem lotion. For individual ulcers, apply neem leaf extract or damp whole leavesto the skin ulcer and cover with a gauze bandage overnight or until it is healed. Replace the bandage and extract daily. Drink two neem leaf teas daily for three days in severe cases. Suggested products: Neem Oil Neem Lotion Neem Creme Neem Soap Neem Capsules ------------------------------- Poor Circulation Neem leaf extracts can cause the blood vessels to dilate, (Thompson and Anderson, 1978) allowing for increased circulation to the extremities. Ingesting neem leaf extracts several times a week will enhance poor circulation and oxidize the blood. Suggested products: Neem Extract ------------------------------ Parasites and Neem Historically, neem has been used to rid the body of all forms of parasites.Scientists have since proved that neem quickly kills external parasites andmay kill internal parasites as well (Singh et al., 1979); (Obaseki and Jegede-Fadunsin, 1986); (Rochanakij, 1985). There are numerous Ayurvedic preparations and home remedies using neem for this purpose throughout India.In fact, simple water extracts of neem leaves are preferred over standard treatments for lice and scabies. Suggested products: Neem Extract Neem Capsules ------------------------------- Neem for wrinkles Creams containing neem oil can be used to prevent wrinkles by providing a natural skin protectant and moisturizer to the skin. Antibacterial compoundes in neem protect the skin while immune stimulating compounds helpdeeper layers of the skin fight any pathogens below the surface. These neemcompounds help healthy skin retain its suppleness (Puri, 1993). After washing and drying the skin, rub a few drops of neem based cream on areas that are particularly susceptible to drying and wrinkles. To supplement the beneficial effects of neem oil, apply a face pack made from neem bark. As the face pack dries, the soothing compounds of neem barkare absorbed into the skin. This helps to reduce wrinkles and will make theskin feel smoother and appear younger. It is an astringent mixture that tightens the skin and is particularly useful for hyper-sensitive people. --------------------------------- Kidney Problems As guardians of the blood's purity, kidneys filter out the body's toxins. When filtering out tremendous amounts of these toxins after an illness, thekidneys can become overworked. They can also be adversely affected by high blood pressure and infections in the blood. To prevent kidney problems, drink neem tea or take neem leaf capsules with barley water at the onset of infection or for high blood pressure (Puri, 1993). This helps the body fight infections and lowers blood pressure, allowing the kidneys to perform under less stress. Suggested products: Neem Capsules ------------------------------------------------ Jock Itch and Neem Neem seed oil and leaf extracts have been used for centuries to prevent fungal infections in the tropical regions where neem is found. Using a neem-based powder will dry the area, kill the fungus and reduce the itching.If the skin is reddened, a neem-based lotion can be substituted -------------------------------- Gonorrhea and Neem Neem creams used as a vaginal lubricant or birth control may be effective against the gonococcus bacteria (Garg, et al, undated). Using a neem-basedlubricating cream may be helpful in reducing the chance of contracting the disease. Lubricating creams containing at least 25 percent neem oil were used in the tests, so lesser percentages may not provide the protection witnessed in clinical trials. Traditional treatment after infection calls for three cups of neem leaf tea daily for two weeks. Suggested products: Neem Capsules Neem Extract Neem Oil Neem Lotion Neem Soap Neem Creme ---------------------------------- Neem extracts are some of the most powerful antifungal plant extracts foundin Indian pharmacopia against certain fungi (Khanna and Chandre, 1972); Chary, et al, 1984). In particular, research has shown that the compounds gedunin and nimbidol found in the neem leaf control several fungi which attack humans, including those that cause athlete's foot, ringworm, and evencontrols Candida, an organism that causes yeast infections and thrush (Thindand Dahiya, 1978); (David, 1965); (Murthy and Sirsi, 1958b); (Khan and Wassilew, 1987); (Khan, et al, 1991); (Kher, 1972). Compounds found in neemleaf called quercetins (flavanoids) are effective antimycotics. (Khan et al,1988) Two researchers, basing their study on the ancient tradition of usingneem to purify the air around the sick, have found that neem smoke exhibitedextreme suppression of fungal growth and germination (Upadhyay and Arora, 1975 ---------------------------------- Infectious Diseases and Neem Food Poisoning and Neem Salmonella bacteria, the major culprit in food poisoning, has been shown tobe killed by neem extracts (Patel, 1962, 1965). Although prevention is the best way to avoid food poisoning, once it has been ingested, neem is a viable option for reducing the length and severity of the attack. Oral dosesof neem leaf teas will soothe the upset stomach, help the body rid itself ofthe bacteria and provide relief from many of the miserable symptoms. ---------------------------------- Traditional Remedy - To reduce fevers in adults drink two cups of neem leaf tea made with fiveneem leaves each. - Repeat, if needed, after four hours. Since some of the compounds in neem resemble those found in aspirin, neem isnot recommended at this time for use by small children for fever reduction ------------------------------- Earaches Heat one clove of garlic in one teaspoon of sesame oil. Let cool to just above body temperature. Add two drops of campho oil and five drops of neem leaf extract or neem oil,then drip into each ear. Use a bit of cotton in each ear to remove excess and to prevent it from running out. Neem acts to relieve the localized pain receptors, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that can cause earaches. -------------------------------- Diaper Rash and Neem If your baby already has diaper rash, wash the baby's skin with neem shampooor soap and dry with a clean towel. Then apply a neem-based cream or neem leaf powder to soothe the baby's skin, prevent diaper rash and to keep the baby's skin protected from moisture. All babies get a red or sore bottom from time to time, even with frequent diaper changes and careful cleaning. Some common reasons for diaper rash include: Irritation from a new product. Your baby's skin may have come into contact with something that irritated it. Possibilities include disposable wipes, anew brand of diaper, or a new brand of detergent, fabric softener or bleachused in the laundry. If you suspect one of these, change to a brand that hasn't bothered the baby before. Generally, you'll have better results if you use products that have few additives. Chemicals in new clothes. Wash all new clothing before your baby wears it for the first time. Sensitive skin. If your baby's skin is sensitive change diapers frequently,washing the area with clear water each time. Allow your baby's bottom to airdry. And use a soothing ointment any time pinkness occurs. Bacterial or yeast infection. These can cause an irritating skin rash that needs to be treated with prescription creams. Contact your doctor if your baby has a rash that's stubborn and lasts more than a few days. To help prevent diaper rash, avoid using super-absorbent disposable diapersbecause they tend to be changed less frequently. If you're using cloth diapers, wash and rinse them thoroughly. Select snap-on plastic pants instead of those with elastic binding for better air circulation. ------------------------------- Neem leaf extracts reduced cholesterol levels significantly in recent studies. Alcoholic extract of neem leaves reduced serum cholesterol by about 30% beginning two hours after administration and kept the level low for an additional four hours until the test ended. (Chattopadhyay, et al, 1992). Since neem is a safe herb when used in low doses, drinking neem tea for a month to stabilize cholesterol levels may be recommended. For those that would only need small reductions or for after eating an exceptionally fatty meals neem tea as an after meal drink may be a an alternative. Suggested products: Neem Extract Neem Capsules ---------------------------------- Chlamydia and Neem A neem-based cream clears up Chlamydia trichomatous infections in one to three weeks (Garg, et al, undated). Chlamydia is implicated in many cases where women are unable to conceive due to scarring of the fallopian tubes. Neem may be useful in preventing infection through the use of a neem-based cream as a vaginal lubricant. Immediately after intercourse or if the disease has taken hold, use of a douche made with water boiled with 50 neemleaves will act as a bactericide. For stubborn cases, supplement with two cups of neem tea daily for a week to attack the agents from inside. Suggested products: Neem Capsules Neem Extract Neem Oil Neem Lotion Neem Soap Neem Creme -------------------------------- Cavities and Neem Neem extracts have helped millions of people in south Asia avoid cavities despite a very limited access to modern dental care. Brushing with neem twigs and chewing neem leaves and seeds after a meal has been the traditional dental care practice in this area. With available modern preparations many people are now using commercial products that contain thesame basic neem compounds. Regular brushing with neem toothpaste and rinsing with neem mouthwash destroys cavity-causing bacteria, enhances the mouth immunity and prevents tartar and plaque buildup in much of the population of this area. Suggested products: Neem Capsules Neem Extract ------------------------------- Burns and Neem Neem has been used for centuries to treat problems of the skin and to prevent infection (Singh, et al, 1979). Neem reduces the pain, kills bacteria that can cause infection, stimulates the local immune system and promotes rapid healing with reduced scarring. Burns are treated very effectively with a neem-based cream spread lightly onthe affected area. Most minor burns can be treated successfully at home byfollowing these steps: Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for 15 minutes.If impractical immerse it in cold water or cover with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by carrying heat away from your skin. Don't use ice to cool a burn because it can further damage your skin. Don't use butter. Using butter on burned skin can further damage your skin and increase your risk of infection. Moisturize. Once a burn is completely cooled, apply a lotion or cream. It will help keep the burned area from drying out and may make the burn more comfortable as it heals. Continue to apply the cream until the burn has healed completely. Bandage the burn. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Wrap the bandage loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging helps keep air off the area and reduces pain. Handle blisters with care. Fluid-filled blisters help protect against infection, so don't break them. If they do break, wash the area with mild soap and water and then apply an antibiotic ointrnent and gauze bandage. Use over-the-counter pain relievers. If necessary, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve the pain of minor burns. Without further treatment, most minor burns will usually heal in about one to two weeks. But make sure you monitor the burn for signs of infection. Sunburns may also be treated with neem-based creams. -------------------------------- Blood Disorders and Neem Neem has been a major blood tonic and blood purifier in the systems of medicine found in India and Pakistan. In an analysis of 36 plant drugs attributed with blood purifying properties, neem was found to have the widest range of beneficial effects (Vohora, 1986). It is believed to removetoxins from the blood and promote a healthy circulation (Chattopadhyay, et al, 1992a). Small amounts of neem leaf extracts have been found to protect the liver from damage when toxic agents were used to induce hepatocellular necrosis (Chattopadhyay, et al, 1992b). Neem also can oxidize the blood to promote healing (Etkin, 1981). Blood Poisoning Diabetes Kidney Problems Poor Circulation Suggested products: Neem Extract Neem Capsules ----------------------------------- Blood Clots and Neem Neem compounds can reduce blood clotting which often close blood vessels andcause heart attacks. Occasional prophylactic use of neem tea may help keep the blood free of excessive clotting. ------------------------------------ Bad Breath and Neem The usual reason for chronic bad breath is bacteria, infections or gastric upset. Neem toothpastes and mouthwashes contain proven antibacterial and anti-viral compounds that can stop bad breath where it originates. The mostcommon site of bad breath causing bacteria is the back of the tongue. The bacteria that cause bad breath can form a film that is difficult to gargle away and must be either scraped or brushed away. Once the film is removed and the bacteria are exposed neem extract will easily destroy the bacteria.If the cause is infection of the mouth, brushing the teeth and gums with neem toothpaste and rinsing afterward with neem extract will kill the infection and promote healing. For bad breath caused by gastric upset, ingestion of neem leaves or fresh seed kernel is traditionally recommended to relieve the upset and correct any acid imbalance. --------------------------------- Neem leaf extract exhibited anti-arrhythmic activity, returning to normal within eight minutes of administration, artificially induced arrhythmia. Neem extracts can also decrease abnormally high heart rates. (Thompson and Anderson, 1978). Neem leaf tea several times a week may inhibit irregular heartbeats and help maintain normal heart rates. Suggested products: Neem Extract Neem Capsules --------------------------------- AIDS and Neem By enhancing the cellular immune response most pathogens can be eliminated before they cause the ill feeling associated with disease. This mechanism could also help in diseases that involve the immune system, like AIDS. Taking neem leaf or bark powder every other day or drinking a mild neem teawill enhance antibody production and the body's cell-mediated immune response, helping to prevent infections. Neem has immuno-stimulating properties for both the lymphocytic and cell-mediated immune systems. When human white blood cells infected with HIV were cultured with neem extracts, the production of viral proteins dropped dramatically. Dr. Upadhyay and Dr. Berre'-Sinousi (one of the scientists who identified the AIDS virus) believe the neem extracts block production of viral proteins thereby stopping replication of the virus. Studies of the effects of neem bark and neem leaf extracts show they significantly reduced the P-24 viral proteins and induced in vitro production of IL-1 interferon (Upadhyay, et al, 1993). The National Institutes of Health, in a preliminary study, reports encouraging results from in vitro tests where neem bark extracts killed the AIDS virus . (Larson, 1993). Another possible effect neem may have on combating the AIDSvirus is its apparent ability to enhance the cell-mediated immune response to infection. Using extracts made by soaking neem bark in water, Dr. Van Der Nat (Netherlands) determined that the extract produces a strong immune stimulating reaction. The neem bark extract stimulated lymphocyte function which increased production of MIF, a lymphokine that attaches macrophages and monocytes to infectious agents. (Upadhyay, et al, 1990). Believed to be the first line of defense against HIV infection, (Beardsley,1992); (Caldwell, 1994) neem's ability to enhance the cell-mediated immune response may provide protection from vaginal contraction of the disease if neem is used as a vaginal lubricant before intercourse. If even only partially successful in preventing the spread of AIDS, until scientists develop a cure, neem could save countless lives. In cases where HIV has not advanced to full-blown AIDS some of the patientsappear to have the enhanced cell-mediated immune responses (Caldwell, 1994)that neem can help produce. However, once contracted, AIDS may be treated by ingesting neem leaf extracts, whole leaf or by drinking neem tea. Many of the complications associated with AIDS can also be treated with neemleaf or bark and creams. Lesions of the skin or burning sensations have been successfully treated with neem leaves added to bath water and by creamscontaining neem oil. Suggested products: Neem Capsules Neem Extract ----------------------------------- Acne and Neem Neem kills the bacteria that cause acne and reduces the inflammation that makes it so noticeable. Neem-based creams have even improved the appearanceof people who have reddened skin from acne that ended years before. To prevent and heal acne, first wash with neem soap, then use a neem face packto soothe and tighten the skin. Finally, apply a neem-based cream to moisturize and condition the skin. Suggested products: Neem Capsules Neem Extract Neem Oil Neem Lotion Neem Creme Neem Soap ---------------------------------- Tuberculosis and Neem Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that has been thought conquered untilrecently. New strains resistant to antibiotics are claiming increasing numbers of lives. Those weakened by AIDS are particularly susceptible but, as an airborne disease, it is very contagious. Neem oil and its isolate nimbidol has shown antitubercular activity in sensitized guinea pigs (Murthyand Sirsi, 1958a). Another isolate, nimbidin, was extremely effective at controlling the cause of tuberculosis in humans, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.(Chopra, 1958) The leaf extract was the most effective form of neem and showed inhibition at dilutions of 1 part in 80,000. Traditional Remedy Traditional treatment involves drinking mild neem tea or breathing steamed neem leaves several times per day. Given the extract of leaves that proved most effective was derived through steam distillation the traditional treatment has been validated. --------------------------------- Mononucleosis and Neem Possibly related to hepatitis, "mono" should be treated with a mild neem teathree times a day for two weeks. The length and severity of the disease should be much improved if the regimen is followed. --------------------------------- Hepatitis and Neem A dangerous disease, hepatitis can be transmitted through blood or by ingesting contaminated food or water. Studies have indicated that neem extracts can block infection by the virus that causes it (Unander, 1992). Prevention is recommended by drinking neem leaf tea after eating shellfish and after swimming in or drinking water potentially contaminated with sewage. Viral hepatitis is a deadly disease with no effective remedy. Indian tests indicate that as much as 80% of the test cases showed significant improvement when treated with neem. (Wagh, 1988) ------------------------------- Conjunctivitis and Neem The inflammation of the eye can be treated with drops of room temperature neem tea prepared from powdered neem leaves. (Puri, 1993) (Tincture should not be used due to the alcohol used in the extract.) A few drops of the tea into each eye every three hours for one day should besufficient. Overnight, a natural cream with neem oil should be wiped aroundthe eye and eyelid. ------------------------------ Malaria and Neem Neem leaf extract substantially increases the state of oxidation in red blood cells, preventing normal development of the malaria plasmodia (Etkin,1981). An active ingredient in neem leaves, called Irodin A, is toxic to resistant strains of malaria, with 100 percent of the plasmodia dead in 72 hours with only a 1:20,000 ratio of active ingredients. (Abatan, 1986). In other experiments alcoholic extracts of neem leaf performed almost as well as the more refined compounds. (Badam, 1987) Malaria affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and kills over twomillion people every year. It has even made an occasional appearance in North America due to introduction of new mosquito strains and travelers frommalarial regions. Malaria is transmitted from an infected person to a non-infected person by the bites of certain species of mosquito. The malarial gamete is sucked up from the infected person by the mosquito and carried in its gut until the mosquito bites an uninfected person. The bite injects the gamete into the blood stream where it travels to the kidney to mature. Neem can block the development of the gamete in an infected person.This not only prevents the infected person from developing malaria but alsostops the disease from spreading. (Jones et al, 1994) Two other compounds found in neem leaves called gedunin, a limonoid, and quercetin, a flavonoid, are at least as effective as quinine and chloroquineagainst malaria (Badam, 1987); (Ekanem, 1978); (Iwu, 1986); (Khalid, 1986, 1989); (Obasiki, 1986); (Rochanakij, 1985). Another molecule, gedunin, an extract of neem bark, has also been found to be effective in treating malaria.(Khalid, 1989) Several studies show that neem extracts are effectiveeven against chloroquine-resistant strains of the malaria parasite (Obih andMakinde, 1985); (Bray, et al, 1990). The antimalarial effects of neem appearto be greater in the body than on a petri dish. This has led some to speculate that stimulation of the immune system is a major factor in neem'seffectiveness against malaria.(Obasiki and Jegede-Fadunsin, 1986). Neem alsolowers the fever and increases the appetite thereby strengthening the body which aids in fighting the disease parasite and speeding recovery. (Abatan and Makinde, 1986). Like the populations in malaria stricken ares who have access to neem some westerners familiar with neem often substitute an occasional neem leaf tea to drinking quinine on trips to malaria-infested areas of Africa and India as a preventive measure (Larson, 1993). Drinking neem teas or simply chewinga couple of neem leaves a day reduces the possibility of contracting malaria. Even though neem tea may be effective against malaria, a study doneby Dr. Udeinya showed that water extracts are less effective than leaf extracts obtained by a water/acetone combination. (Udeinya, 1993) ---------------------------------- Intestinal Worms and Neem Neem teas are regularly used throughout the tropics to rid the body of intestinal worms (Singh, 1980). There have been conflicting reports as to its effectiveness, but few who use neem for intestinal worms doubt the efficacy of neem. Neem leaf teas twice per day for one week is the usual method for eliminating these parasites from the body. For childhood pinwormsapply neem oil or creme to the anal opening for relief from itching. ----------------------------------- One hour after taking aqueous leaf extracts -- or neem tea -- weak excitation and increased activity are seen, while decreased activity and lower muscular tone occur after five hours (Debelmas and Hache, 1976). Nimbidin has a mild suppressive effect on the central nervous system (Pillaiand Santhakumari, 1984b). Neem leaf extracts have shown to produce lower activity, respiratory rate and muscle tone passivity as well as dose-dependent hypothermia (Gandhi, 1988); (Singh, 1986). The active compounds may be limonoids, because most seem to be able to pass the blood-brain barrier. Epilepsy Hives Suggested products: Neem Capsules Neem Lotion Neem Spray Neem Soap Neem Oil Encephalitis and Neem An outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in India was apparently ended when children were dosed twice a day with crushed neem leaves (Larson, 1993). Suggested products: Neem Capsules Neem Outdoor Spray ----------------------------------- Neem for Mosquito Repellant Neem products repel and affect the development of mosquitoes. Two percent Neem oil mixed in coconut oil, when applied to exposed body parts, providescomplete protection for twelve hours from bites of all anopheliEncephalitis and Neem An outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in India was apparently ended when children were dosed twice a day with crushed neem leaves (Larson, 1993). Suggested products: Neem Capsules Neem Outdoor Spray ===================== Recipe for Neem Tea Distilled water should always be used when making tea. Measure one good handful, about one cup of whole leaf, to one quart of water. If using leaf powder, use one ounce or one quarter cup of powder perquart of water. Bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat. Add the whole leaf or powder. Cover and let it stand overnight or 24 hours. With the leaf you simply strain the liquid, put into a bottle or jug and drink as needed. When powder is used put the brew into a tall glass jar or bottle and let it stand in the refrigerator until the sediment settles to the bottom. Then draw off or siphon the liquid on top into a jug or storagebottle. The tea should be kept in the refrigerator for long term storage. If left out a scum forms in the liquid. You can use grapefruit seed extract as a preservative with some successes (10 drops per quart) but refrigeration is still the best method. ---

NEEM USES:

In India, NEEM (Azadiracta indica or Margosa) is a very common tree. It is considered to be the “village pharmacy” and has played a key role in Ayurvedic medicine and agriculture since time immemorial. It is a large evergreen tree growing 10 to 11 meters tall. The leaves are divided into numerous leaflets, each resembling a full-grown leaf. The tree bears small white flowers in auxiliary bunches and 1.5 to 2 cm long green or yellow fruits with a seed in each. There’s no part of the tree that isn’t useful. And it has a lot more than just medicinal properties, covering everything from the roots holding the water in the soil to the shade it gives. The seeds contain substantial amount of essential oil (upto 40%) known as neem oil. The bitter constituents separated from this oil are nimbin, nimbinin, nimbicidine, azadiractin, salanin, etc.

Neem has so many characteristics that it’s not only useful for healing the earth as well as using all these products to help heal us. This is just a partial quick overview of some of the uses of neem, Healing power and curative properties: Neem tree is generally considered to be an air purifier and a preventive against malarial fever and cholera. All parts of the tree possess medicinal properties. The leaves are useful in relieving flatulence, promoting the removal of catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes, and in increasing secretion and discharge of urine. They also act as an insecticide. The bark is a bitter tonic and stimulant. It arrests secretions and bleeding besides counter-acting any spasmodic disorders. The root bark has the same properties as the bark of the trunk. The gum discharged by the stem is a stimulant and tonic with a soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes.

Malaria: An infusion or a decoction of the fresh leaves is a bitter vegetable tonic and alternative, especially in chronic malarial fevers because of its action on the liver. It should be taken in doses of 15 to 50 grams.

Piles: The use of 3 grams of the inner bark of neem with 6 grams of jaggery every morning, is very effective in piles. To check bleeding piles, 3 to 4 neem fruits can be administered with water.

Leprosy: The sap of the neem tree has been found to be effective in leprosy, when taken in daily doses of 50-60 grams. Simultaneously, the patient’s body should be massaged with the sap. This regimen should be continued for about 4-6 weeks. If the sap is not available, 12 grams of neem leaves and 3 decigrams of pepper can be ground in water and taken.

Skin disorders: The leaves, applied externally, are very useful in skin diseases. They are especially beneficial in the treatment of boils, chronic ulcers, eruptions of smallpox, syphilitic sores, glandular swellings and wounds, they can be used either as a poultice, decoction or liniment. An ointment prepared from neem leaves is also very effective in healing ulcers and wounds. This ointment is prepared by frying 50 grams of leaves in 50 grams of pure ghee and mashing the mixture thoroughly in the same ghee till an ointment consistency is obtained. A paste prepared from the bark by rubbing it in water can also be applied on wounds.

Hair disorders: If there is any hair loss or it has ceased to grow, washing with the decoction of neem leaves helps. This will not only stop hair from falling but also help their growth. Frequent application of neem oil also destroys insects in the hair. It also helps in premature graying of hairs.

Eye diseases: Neem is very useful in eye diseases. Application of the juice of neem leaves to the eyes every night is highly effective in the treatment of night blindness! The leaves should be pounded and made into a thin paste with water. The juice should then be pressed out through a clean piece of cloth and applied to the eyes with an eye rod. The juice obtained by rubbing a few neem leaves with a little water and stained through a clean piece of cloth is useful in pain in the eyes caused by conjunctivitis. It is warmed, and a few drops put into the ear opposite the ailing eye, to give relief. Eyes are cured after a few applications.

Ear ailments: Steam fomentation with neem decoction provides immediate comfort in cases of earache. A handful of neem leaves should be boiled in a liter of water and the ear fomented with the steam thus produced, The juice of neem leaves mixed with an equal quantity of pure honey is an effective remedy for any boils in the ear. The juice is to be warmed a little and a few drops fused in the ear. Regular application for a few days will provide relief from such ailments. In case of an insect fluxing in the ear, the juice of neem leaves, with some common salt, is warmed and a few drops injected in the ear, kills the insect. Two drops of lukewarm neem oil put in the ear twice a day can cure deafness!

Oral disorders: Cleaning the teeth regularly with a neem twig prevents gum diseases. It firms up loose teeth, relieves toothache, evacuates the bad odor and protects the mouth from various infections.

Other Therapeutic Uses: It is effectively used against inflammation, arthritis, for fevers, malaria, anti-microbial, which means viral bacteria as well as fungal and many parasites, tumors, the ulcers, diabetes and as insecticide.

Why use antibiotics when we can use nature’s own natural products? Which also do have an anti-microbial function but on a slightly different level because it doesn’t affect the body in the same way. The main side effect of non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs is their ability to produce gastric lesions. The dosage used with neem leaf extract, 100, 300 and 1000 milligrams per kilogram, needed to produce anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activity had no adverse effects in the gastric of rats. This is what’s unique about neem. It is actually as effective as phenylbutazone as an anti-inflammatory and it does not adversely affect the stomach. As a matter of fact, it helps the stomach in many ways.

Insulin is not a great answer for diabetes. But for some people, it’s the only answer. But if you could get their body to a place they needed less and less of it, which would be wonderful. And there are actually people that go from a little bit of insulin down to none with the neem administration. A remarkable number of insulin-dependent diabetics were able to reduce their insulin from thirty to fifty percent when treated with neem leaf extract and neem oil! That is significant because the less you have to take insulin, the better off you are. And there are patients that have been on oral diabetic agents taking their own blood sugars, take the neem capsule extract and find their blood sugars are normalizing and they don’t really need to take their medicines. Using the neem oil, they were able to lower fasting blood sugar twenty-six percent, which is pretty significant. The general impression is that maybe it enhances insulin receptor sensitivity since it seems to work well on Type II diabetics. And that’s basically what Type II diabetes is.

Neem oil is a vaginal contraceptive. It’s very effective as a topical drug for preventing pregnancy, used topically in the vagina. By using neem vaginal suppositories before sexual contact, it could very well prevent AIDS as well as prevent pregnancy, not to mention gonorrhea, trichomonas, chlamydia and whatever else might be in there. Neem is very useful at the time of child-birth. Administration of the juice of neem leaves to the woman in labor before the child-birth produces normal contraction in the uterus and prevents possible inflammation. It corrects bowel movements and checks onset of fevers, thereby facilitating the normal delivery. The use of a tepid decoction of neem leaves as a vaginal douche heals any wounds caused during delivery and disinfects the vaginal passage.
Neem is a very powerful insecticide to kill soil nematodes and other plant parasites and is also useful as a mosquito repellant for domestic applications!

Blood/Heart Related Diseases:
High blood pressure, blood clots, high cholesterol levels and arrhythmic heart action are major causes of heart attack. Neem leaf extracts have been shown to reduce clotting, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, slow rapid heartbeat, and inhibit irregularities of the rhythms of the heart. There are also reports that some compounds can produce effects similar to mild sedatives reducing anxiety and other emotional and physical states that can precipitate heart attacks. This may be the result of physiological effects of blood vessel dilation and lower blood pressure.

The antihistaminic action of nimbidin in leaf extracts cause blood vessels to dilate and may be responsible for reducing blood pressure. Extract of neem leaf produce a significant decrease in blood pressure which can last for several hours. Another neem leaf extract, sodium nimbidinate, administered to people with congestive cardiac failure acted successfully as a diuretic. Neem leaf extracts reduced cholesterol levels significantly in recent studies. It reduced serum cholesterol by about 30% beginning two hours after administration and kept the level low for an additional four hours until the test ended. Neem leaf extract exhibited anti-arrhythmic activity, returning to normal within eight minutes of administration, artificially induced arrhythmia. Neem extracts can also decrease abnormally high heart rates. Ranjan Mogre Tel +91-22-6186258 email mogre@vsnl.com 

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" WASHINGTON, March 3-- Raindrops falling on the leaves of ornamentals like roses and lilacs can spread nasty fungi to these and other flowering plants. But U.S. Department of Agriculture research shows that oil from a tropical tree stops fungi from infecting the plants. "Oil extracted from the Neem tree, native to India in a dilution of 1 percent in water "acts like a raincoat" against spores of fungi ".

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When we with our team in Holland became aware of the anti-fungi working of Neem we made an oil and later a cream in which we used Neem as the fatty (carrier) oil. We then gave it to people suffering from athlete's feet with staggering results. Of the 30 samples we gave 22 people cured their problem within 3 days. With 2 people it had little or no effect and by 1 person it seemed to get worse ! Since then we have used name together with St. Johns Worth macerate, with Almond oil, and with evening primrose oil against inflamed skin and dry eczema. In combination with chamomile and oregano it works splendidly, although it takes time, for curing those ugly crumbling toe nails. A most remarkable result was obtained from a test done with children suffering from the effects of chickenpox. Most kids complained of unbearable itching. We made a bath oil by taking 85% to which we added 15% emulsifier. About 20 ml of this mixture was added to a lukewarm bath. After bathing the children could go to sleep without scratching !

Infected nail beddings, dipped with at night, will the next morning look clean and healthy. With it is the same as any other oil. There is a great difference in quality so try to obtain cold pressed Neem where possible.

We have developed a product which is being marketed by a Greek Company called Geovet-Hellas S.A. who calls it Vivere-Fyt. . It comes packed in 100 ml plastic bottles. It contains cold pressed to which a mixture of essential oils, among which Tagetes, has been added.

As Emulsifier we have added an Ethoxylated Castor Oil.
Tagetes is a well know repellent and in combination with Neem the effect is more then satisfying. To enable an easy way to apply the Neem we have made the solution self-emulsifying. Simply add the contents of the 200 ml bottle in which we supply the product into 20 liters of lukewarm water. Stir, and your solution for spraying is ready.

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From: barbara karst nutswithherbs@yahoo.com 
I want to say that a 2-5% neem added to a hand or body lotion does wonderful things for this herb gardeners abused skin- it does stink and a little lavender oil covers the odor nicely I also recommend the light olive oil- you can buy it in the supermarket- it is almost clear- little odor, has never gone rancid and takes EO nicely incidentally a friend used the Neem creams on her scars after Mastectomy with good results - reportedly used in India for cancer-internally I think.

www.neemaura.com  I think I have their name right- sells for about$10.00 an ounce- They also sell great lotion and soaps and you can get a lot of info on uses from them and copies of some research-has been researched widely in India. I have seen it at web sites for much less- $4.00 for several ounces, I think- this is the oil- the leaf seems widely available in capsules. I wonder if those who sell it much cheaper cut it. It smells AWFUL- I have read that it is used for Gum diseases - I don't think I would ever get up the courage to take it internally. I will check to see if this is the website the co is NeemAura, in Florida- they can put you in touch with an Ayurvedic practioner who seems very knowledgeable and answers you by e-mail!

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Neem and Aids
This just came through on another herbal list, and I thought it was interesting! I wonder how it would work, if used in a topical lotion ~ absorbed dermally so as to ward off things we all come in contact with. I think I might try it on the back of the right knee!

Neem has immuno-stimulating properties for both the lymphocytic and cell-mediated immune systems. When human white blood cells infected with HIV were cultured with s, the production of viral proteins dropped dramatically. Dr. Upadhyay and Dr. Berre'- Sinousi (one of the scientists who identified the AIDS virus) believe the s block production of viral proteins thereby stopping replication of the virus.

Studies of the effects of neem bark and neem leaf extracts show they significantly reduced the P-24 viral proteins and induced in vitro production of IL-1 interferon. The National Institutes of Health, in a preliminary study, reports encouraging results from in vitro tests where neem bark extracts killed the AIDS virus. Another possible effect neem may have on combating the AIDS virus is its apparent ability to enhance the cell-mediated immune response to infection. Using extracts made by soaking neem bark in water, Dr. Van Der Nat (Netherlands) determined that the extract produces a strong immune stimulating reaction. The neem bark extract stimulated lymphocyte function which increased production of MIF, a lymphokine that attaches macrophages and monocytes to infectious agents.

Believed to be the first line of defense against HIV infection, neem's ability to enhance the cell-mediated immune response may provide protection from vaginal contraction of the disease if neem is used as a vaginal lubricant before intercourse. If even only partially successful in preventing the spread of AIDS, until scientists develop a cure, neem could save countless lives.

In cases where HIV has not advanced to full-blown AIDS some of the patients appear to have the enhanced cell-mediated immune responses that neem can help produce. However, once contracted, AIDS may be treated by ingesting neem leaf extracts, whole leaf or by drinking neem tea.

Many of the complications associated with AIDS can also be treated with neem leaf or bark and creams. Lesions of the skin or burning sensations have been successfully treated with neem leaves added to bath water and by lotions containing .

Neem and the Immune System:
Neem, especially neem bark, is recognized for its immunomodulatory polysaccharide compounds. These compounds appear to increase antibody production. Other compounds in neem enhance the immune system via a different mechanism; the cell- mediated immune response, the body's first form of defense.

Only when this system appears to be unable to stop an infectious onslaught is the more massive immune system involved. It acts as a non-specific immuno-stimulant that activates the cell mediated immune response. This then creates an enhanced response to any future challenges by disease organisms. When was injected under the skin there was a significant increase in leukocytic cells and perioneal macrophages showed enhanced phagocytic activity and expression of MHC class II antigens. Production of gamma interferon was also induced by the injection. Spleen cells showed higher lymphocyte reaction to infection but did not augment anti-TT antibody response.

Water soluble neem leaf extracts, when taken orally, produced an increase in lymphomatic counts and both red and white blood cells as well as lymphocyte counts. In studies on the birth control effects of neem the major factor in that effect appears to be an increase in the immune response where neem has been applied that causes the body to reject the fetus as a foreign body.

By enhancing the cellular immune response most pathogens can be eliminated before they cause the ill feeling associated with disease. This mechanism could also help in diseases that involve the immune system, like AIDS. Ingesting small quantities of neem leaf or bark powder every other day or drinking a mild neem tea will enhance antibody production and the body's cell-mediated immune response, helping to prevent infections.

Neem nail-polish:
Take a bottle of clear nailpolish. (or a coloured one, as it turns the clear type brownish) and mix with half that amount of Neemoil. You can even take equal parts. Mix thoroughly and return to the bottle. Keep the rest tightly sealed for future use. If it thickens you can add some nailpolish remover or aceton to the mixture.

Apply several layers on the effected nail (it has become rather thin because of the oil added and takes a long time to dry between layers). That way the neemoil stays in contact with the nail (and the fungus) all the time. Remove and re-apply once a week.

I don't like nail polish acetone or remover myself, but it is the best way to treat a nail fungus. It is going to take a long time, but eventually you will have healthy nails again. Did I mention that it has a very strong smell? A bit like garlicky peanut butter with some rotten eggs thrown in, but one gets used to it, even with the smell of nail polish added :-)))

Basic Neembalm:
15 ml Neemoil
15 ml Olive or other oils
2 grs beeswax (more if you like a stiff balm)
Heat and stir and once everything is melted: take of the heat. Let cool a bit, stir, add the EO's, stir again and pour in pot.

Excema: use chickweed macerate, or calendula or yarrow or things like that. Use your imagination. Some yarrow essential oil, or German chamomile helps as well.

Psoriasis: use the Neemoil pure or make a balm just like above. Maybe add some Myrtl EO to it.

Fungus on the skin: add Thyme EO and Manuka EO (or both) and you can use Calendula infused oil to soften the effect of the Thyme oil on the skin.

Head lice: Cover scalp with neemoil neat and leave for the night. In the morning comb the dead lice and nits out of the hear and wash with neem shampoo. Repeat every week for three weeks.

Neem shampoo: add 25 % of neemoil to a shampoo base and wash daily; leftovers can be used up, as it is really wonderful for your scalp, also when you have dandruff. I always add a little bit to my shampoo for healthy hair and scalp.

Laurie Borgman http://members.ams.chello.nl/l.borgman 

I copied this from the remedies section of the www.origionalneemco.com  I found on the internet. I had to get to it from another website--but tons of good remedies-which all consisted of Neem tea, capsules, extract, or cream (of course) nothing else added.

Blood Disorders and Neem

Blood Poisoning Caused by bacterial infections that have infected the blood, blood poisoning is relieved by neem's anti-bacterial compounds (Patel and Travedi, 1962). Either whole neem leaf or teas made from neem leaves will provide the necessary s to the body. Research article index Effects of Neem on Blood Sugar Levels Neem in a Kenyan Herbal Clinic: Wamirithu Herbal Clinic - Diabetes Blood Poisoning Diabetes Kidney Problems Poor Circulation Recipe for Neem Tea Distilled water should always be used when making tea.

Measure one good handful, about one cup of whole leaf, to one quart of water. If using leaf powder, use one ounce or one quarter cup of powder per quart of water.
Bring the water to a boil.
Remove from heat.
Add the whole leaf or powder.
Cover and let it stand overnight or 24 hours.

With the leaf you simply strain the liquid, put into a bottle or jug and drink as needed. When powder is used put the brew into a tall glass jar or bottle and let it stand in the refrigerator until the sediment settles to the bottom. Then draw off or siphon the liquid on top into a jug or storage bottle.

The tea should be kept in the refrigerator for long term storage. If left out a scum forms in the liquid. You can use grapefruit seed extract as a preservative with some successes (10 drops per quart) but refrigeration is still the best method.
Elaine

The below link will give you wonderful information on .
http://www.neemaura.com/ 

Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2001 21:07:09 EST
From: Olatou@aol.com 

Subject: Re: eczema story Well, this is not about aromatherapy, but it is about success with eczema.

I sell soap, etc. at a local Farmer's Market in my area. Last year I did a cucumber infused soap that sold so well, I made more. In an effort to get a natural green color for the cucumber soap, I made a decoction of neem powder for a portion of the lye water. Naturally this was neem leaf powder, and I watched in horror as my wonderful cucumber soap turned chocolate pudding brown (complete with brown suds).

Undaunted, I printed out some educational material on neem and sold it as rather then cucumber. A brown haired, half hysterical woman, came back two weeks, claiming I had preformed a miracle. She asked me to look at her hands. I was puzzled, but evidently they had been freed from eczema. She walked off with a box of soap, leaving me four.

The Goat cheese lady got curious, and asked me about it. She was also up a tree with eczema and the cortisone shots weren't working. She bought a bar of the and within two weeks HER eczema had cleared up.

Now I'm using , as people have been asking me if I had it in another color (other then chocolate pudding brown) - and am working on a lotion (but it won't have neem in it, unless it's )
Neem has a horrible smell EXCEPT in a dried soap, then it has no smell.
The oil comes out a honey color (nice with some ground calendula).
Leafy things, of course turn brown in soap.
I don't know what to say about your story. But if you find something that works for you, continue on with it.
Susan in Cambridge


John Kercher writes:
Neem has a limited effect on lice, however there is another product from India , a beam from which the oil or a infuse kills every lice instantaneously. I will post the name in a day or so, we received the beans today here in Greece, botanical details are in my office, and incidentally, I wrote an article in 1990 on , when it was not so well known. Since then it is widely used as , among other things, an ecologically friendly fertilizer and pesticide. But forbidden throughout the common market because of toxicity. Yet, the USA department of agriculture since long recommends Neem for orchid growing etc. I think here in Europe it is the powerful industrial pesticide manufacturers body which is behind it all.

I brought form India neem leaf extract with me (powder) , great for making soaps and toothpaste and creams. Also dried Neem leaf powder for medical and cosmetic purposes and you all ought to look into Karanj or Pongamia oil. The Indian variety is better than the Pongamia oil from Australia. Great for a lot of medical applications and as a carrier oil

Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2001 06:13:17 +00100 (MET)
From: kercher@euronet.nl 
Subject: Pongamia or Karanja oil

Karanja Oil and Cake are derived from the Punjam/Karanja tree (pongammia glabra), which is found throughout India. All parts of the tree have medicinal properties.

Karanja Oil is widely used as a pesticide, and in the pharmaceutical industry. It is also used in leather dressing, soap making, lubrication and illumination. Pharmaceutical preparations based on Karanja oil are used for treating skin diseases including scales, herpes and leucoderma. The oil possesses insecticidal and anti-bacterial properties.

The Pongamia tree’s Indomalaysian species were once found only in alluvial and coastal situations from India to Fiji, anywhere from sea level to 1200 m.In India the tree is more commonly known as the Karanja, its oil known there as Karanja Oil. Now however, this fast growing glabrous 25 m tall tree with its white to pink fragrant flowers can be found in Australia, Florida, Hawaii, India, Malaysia, Oceania, Philippines, and Seychelles. An indication to the importance this tree has in the field of medicine? Or is it perhaps due to the fact that Pongamia oil ( Or Poonga oil as the Australians call it) has been proven to be an excellent substitute for synthetic pesticides? Or could Pongamia oil one day be the energy source for Diesel engines? Or is it because many tree nurseries sell the it to decorate gardens?

To all of these questions the answers are affirmative and although Aromatherapists, Herbalists and Soapmakers will look more at the therapeutic values Pongamia oil has to offer, the oil has more impressive applications.

Energy Wherever it is grown, the wood (calorific value 4,600 kcal/kg) is burned for cooking fuel (NAS, 1980a). The thick oil from the seeds is used for illumination, as a kerosene substitute, and lubrication. It would seem that with upgraded germplasm one could target for 2 MT oil and 5 MT firewood per hectare per year on a renewable basis. The oil has been tried as fuel in diesel engines, showing a good thermal efficiency (C.S.I.R., 1948– Trees of ten reach adult height in 4 or 5 years, bearing at the age of 4–7 years. A single tree is said to yield 9–90 kg seed per tree, indicating a yield potential of 900––9000 kg seed/ha, 25% of which might be rendered as oil (assuming 100 trees/ha). In general, Indian mills extract 24–27.5% oil, village crushers, 18–22% oil.

Agriculture Karanja Oil is widely used as a pesticide. The oil possesses insecticidal and anti-bacterial properties. Field trials of mixtures of (Azadirchata indica) and Karanja Oil (pongammia glabra), have shown excellent results against several families of pests. 2% Karanja oil-resin soap sprays are reported to be effective against the nymph and adult stages of the green bug of coffee.

The cake left after extraction of oil from Karanja, is an excellent manure and an insect repellent. It has a high nitrogen content (4.2% nitrogen, 0.9% phosphorus and 2% potassium). Plasma Karanja Cake can be applied either as a basal or top dressing and provides the crop with essential nutrients, while significantly reducing the number of soil insect pests, fungi, bacteria and nematodes.

Karanja oil with a minimum karanjin content of 20,000 ppm (2%) was subjected to acute oral rat, acute dermal rat and irritation to mucous membrane rabbit as per OECD protocols under GLP. The results of the studies could be summarized as follows :
Acute oral rat :>4000 mg/kg Acute dermal rat :>2000 mg/kg

Irritation to mucous membrane rabbit non-irritant. From the above data it is clear that the product is very mildly toxic and does not pose a threat to mammals. (Studies conducted by Fredrick Institute of Plant Protection and Toxicology (FIPPAT), an internationally recognized facility for the evaluation of pesticides).

MEDICINE

The seeds contain pongam oil, a bitter, red brown, thick, non-drying, nonedible oil, 27–36% by weight, which is used for tanning leather, soap, as a liniment to treat scabies, herpes, and rheumatism and as an illuminating oil (Burkill, 1966). Also used for lubrication and indigenous medicine. Pongam oil showed inhibitory effects on Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus pulilus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas mangiferae, Salmonella typhi, Sarcina lutea, Staphylococcus albus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Xanthomonas campestris, but did not inhibit Shigella sp. (Chaurasia and Jain, 1978). The oil has a high content of triglycerides, and its disagreeable taste and odor are due to bitter flavonoid constituents, pongamiin and karanjin.

According to Hartwell (1967–1971), the fruits and sprouts are used in folk remedies for abdominal tumors in India, the seeds for keloid tumors in Sri Lanka, and a powder derived from the plant for tumors in Vietnam. In sanskritic India, seeds were used for skin ailments. Today the oil is used as a liniment for rheumatism. Leaves are active against Micrococcus; their juice is used for colds, coughs, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, gonorrhea, and leprosy. Roots are used for cleaning gums, teeth, and ulcers. Bark is used internally for bleeding piles. Juices from the plant, as well as the oil, are antiseptic. It is said to be an excellent remedy for itch, herpes, and pityriasis versicolor.

Powdered seeds are valued as a febrifuge, tonic and in bronchitis and whooping cough. Flowers are used for diabetes. Bark has been used for beriberi. Juice of the root is used for cleansing foul ulcers and closing fistulous sores. Young shoots have been recommended for rheumatism. Ayurvedic medicine described the root and bark as alexipharmic, anthelmintic, and useful in abdominal enlargement, ascites, biliousness, diseases of the eye, skin, and vagina, itch, piles, splenomegaly, tumors, ulcers, and wounds; the sprouts, considered alexeteric, anthelmintic, apertif, and stomachic, for inflammation, piles and skin diseases; the leaves, anthelmintic, digestive, and laxative, for inflammations, piles and wounds; the flowers for biliousness and diabetes; the fruit and seed for keratitis, piles, urinary discharges, and diseases of the brain, eye, head, and skin, the oil for biliousness, eye ailments, itch, leucoderma, rheumatism, skin diseases, worms, and wounds. Yunani use the ash to strengthen the teeth, the seed, carminative and depurative, for chest complaints, chronic fevers, earache, hydrocele, and lumbago; the oil, styptic and vermifuge, for fever, hepatalgia, leprosy, lumbago, piles, scabies, and ulcers.

Chemistry Reported to contain alkaloids demethoxy-kanugin, gamatay, glabrin, glabrosaponin, kaempferol, kanjone, kanugin, karangin, neoglabrin, pinnatin, pongamol, pongapin, quercitin, saponin, b-sitosterol, and tannin. Air-dry kernels have 19.0% moisture, 27.5% fatty oil, 17.4% protein, 6.6% starch, 7.3% crude fiber, and 2.4% ash.
Fatty acid composition: palmitic, 3.7–7.9%, stearic 2.4–8.9, arachidic 2.2–4.7, behenic 4.2–5.3, lignoceric 1.1–3.5, oleic, 44.5– 71.3, linoleic 10.8–18.3, and eicosenoic 9.5–12.4%.

References

• Allen, O.N. and Allen, E.K. 1981. The Leguminosae. The University of Wisconsin Press. 812 p.
• Burkill, J.H. 1966. A dictionary of economic products of the Malay peninsula. Art Printing Works, Kuala Lumpur. 2 vols.
• Chaurasia, S.C. and Jain, P.C. 1978. Antibacterial activity of essential oils of four medicinal plants. Indian J. Hosp. Pharm.15(6):166–168.
• C.S.I.R. (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research). 1948–1976.
• The wealth of India. 11 vols. New Delhi.
• Hartwell, J.L. 1967–1971. Plants used against cancer. A survey. Lloydia 30–34.
• N.A.S. 1980a. Firewood crops. Shrub and tree species for energy production. National Academy
• Jarvie, J.K. and Ermayanti (1996 onwards). `Tree Genera of Borneo - Descriptions and Illustrations' URL http://django.harvard.edu/users/jjarvie/Borneo.htm .

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DRIED NEEM LEAF POWDER (Just the differing properties)

Antiring worm Antiscabies Antiprotozoal Anthelmintic Scorpion sting Sonakavite ( contains clotting inhibitor ) As poultice on boils CNS depressent Antiviral Hepato protective $7.50 per pound

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NEEM BARK POWDER (NOT a complete list)
An excellent toothpowder. Prevents decay and builds strong gums. Can be applied directly on wounds as poultice. $7.50 per pound

Cancer and Neem

The neem tree has been used successfully for centuries to reduce tumors by herbalists throughout Southeast Asia. Researchers in India, Europe and Japan have now found that polysaccharides and limonoids found in neem bark, leaves and seed oil reduced tumors and cancers (Fujiwara, 1982); (Chatterjee, 1961); (Hartwell, 1983) and showed effectiveness against lymphocytic leukemia (Pettit, 1983). In several patents issued in Japan hot water neem bark extracts showed remarkable effectiveness against several types of tumors. (Shimizu et al, 1985) Several types of extract were tested at different doses and compared to the effectiveness of a standard anti-cancer agent. Several of the extracts were equal to or better than the standard anti-cancer agent against solid tumors. When the tests were done using a more purified extract of neem bark, the results were even more impressive against solid tumors. But the extracts tested were still very crude when compared to the extremely purified active compounds typically used in treating tumors. Further studies using truly pure active compounds are expected to produce results at least equal to the control.

Another researcher used an extract of neem leaves to prevent the adhesion of cancer cells to other cells in the body. (Udeinya, 1994) Without the ability to stick to other cells, cancers cannot spread through the body and are more easily destroyed by the body's own immune system or by other treatments.

In general, neem is known for its ability to effect cancers. Injections of around tumors showed remarkable reduction in size in just a few weeks. Skin cancers may be particularly responsive to neem. A number of reports have been made by patients that skin cancers have disappeared after several months of daily application of a neem based cream.
This information comes from www.theoriginalneemcompany.com
I went back later, and could not access this information again. But I copied it all. Elaine

Blood Disorders and Neem

Neem has been a major blood tonic and blood purifier in the systems of medicine found in India and Pakistan. In an analysis of 36 plant drugs attributed with blood purifying properties, neem was found to have the widest range of beneficial effects (Vohora, 1986). It is believed to remove toxins from the blood and promote a healthy circulation (Chattopadhyay, et al, 1992a). Small amounts of neem leaf extracts have been found to protect the liver from damage when toxic agents were used to induce hepatocellular necrosis (Chattopadhyay, et al, 1992b). Neem also can oxidize the blood to promote healing (Etkin, 1981). Blood Poisoning Diabetes Kidney Problems Poor Circulation Blood Disorders and Neem Blood Poisoning Caused by bacterial infections that have infected the blood, blood poisoning is relieved by neem's anti-bacterial compounds (Patel and Travedi, 1962). Either whole neem leaf or teas made from neem leaves will provide the necessary s to the body.

Research article index Effects of Neem on Blood Sugar Levels Neem in a Kenyan Herbal Clinic: Wamirithu Herbal Clinic - Diabetes Blood Poisoning Diabetes Kidney Problems Poor Circulation Recipe for Neem Tea Distilled water should always be used when making tea. Measure one good handful, about one cup of whole leaf, to one quart of water. If using leaf powder, use one ounce or one quarter cup of powder per quart of water.
Bring the water to a boil.
Remove from heat.
Add the whole leaf or powder.
Cover and let it stand overnight or 24 hours.
With the leaf you simply strain the liquid, put into a bottle or jug and drink as needed. When powder is used put the brew into a tall glass jar or bottle and let it stand in the refrigerator until the sediment settles to the bottom. Then draw off or siphon the liquid on top into a jug or storage bottle.

The tea should be kept in the refrigerator for long term storage. If left out a scum forms in the liquid. You can use grapefruit seed extract as a preservative with some successes (10 drops per quart) but refrigeration is still the best method taken from the origionalneemcompany website Diabetes and Neem Diabetes is an incurable, chronic metabolic disorder that develops when the pancreas can no longer produce sufficient insulin.

Blood Poisoning Diabetes Kidney Problems Poor Circulation Blood sugar levels rapidly elevate yet the body is unable to use the energy contained in the sugar leading to weakness and eventually unconsciousness.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people ages 25 to 74, damages nerves, kidneys, the heart and blood vessels and may result in the amputation of limbs.

Neem leaf is a traditional herb for treating diabetes (Alam, et al, 1989) and has been scientifically proven effective in treating and preventing diabetes; (Murty, 1978); (Chakrabartty, 1984a); (Chakrabartty, 1984b); (El-Harwary, 1990). Oral doses of neem leaf extracts significantly reduced insulin requirements for non-insulin dependent diabetes. (Pillai, 1981b); (Luscombe, 1974); (Murty, 1978) has also proven effective and has been able to inhibit increases in blood sugar levels by as much as 45% in test animals (Sharma, 1983).

Skin Ulcers and Neem
Skin ulcers should be washed with a and covered with a . For individual ulcers, apply neem leaf extract or damp whole leaves to the skin ulcer and cover with a gauze bandage overnight or until it is healed. Replace the bandage and extract daily. Drink two neem leaf teas daily for three days in severe cases.

Acne and Neem
Neem kills the bacteria that cause acne and reduces the inflammation that makes it so noticeable. Neem-based creams have even improved the appearance of people who have reddened skin from acne that ended years before. To prevent and heal acne, first wash with , then use a neem face pack to soothe and tighten the skin. Finally, apply a neem-based cream to moisturize and condition the skin.

Urinary Tract Infections and Neem Neem's antibiotic and antiviral properties can be delivered to the urinary tract by drinking neem leaf tea made with five (5) neem leaves twice per day for one week.

Chlamydia and Neem
A neem-based cream clears up Chlamydia trichomatous infections in one to three weeks (Garg, et al, undated). Chlamydia is implicated in many cases where women are unable to conceive due to scarring of the fallopian tubes. Neem may be useful in preventing infection through the use of a neem-based cream as a vaginal lubricant. Immediately after intercourse or if the disease has taken hold, use of a douche made with water boiled with 50 neem leaves will act as a bactericide. For stubborn cases, supplement with two cups of neem tea daily for a week to attack the agents from inside.

Candidiasis and Neem and leaf extracts are effective treatments for candidiasis (Garg,et al, undated). A strong neem leaf tea made with 50 neem leaves can be used for douching or a neem-based cream applied internally daily for a week. This will cause contraction of vaginal muscles, reduce inflammation, relieve itching and will eliminate the infection.

AIDS and Neem

By enhancing the cellular immune response most pathogens can be eliminated before they cause the ill feeling associated with disease.

This mechanism could also help in diseases that involve the immune system, like AIDS. Taking neem leaf or bark powder every other day or drinking a mild neem tea will enhance antibody production and the body's cell-mediated immune response, helping to prevent infections.

Neem has immuno-stimulating properties for both the lymphocytic and cell-mediated immune systems. When human white blood cells infected with HIV were cultured with s, the production of viral proteins dropped dramatically. Dr. Upadhyay and Dr. Berre'-Sinousi (one of the scientists who identified the AIDS virus) believe the s block production of viral proteins thereby stopping replication of the virus.

Studies of the effects of neem bark and neem leaf extracts show they significantly reduced the P-24 viral proteins and induced in vitro production of IL-1 interferon (Upadhyay, et al, 1993). The National Institutes of Health, in a preliminary study, reports encouraging results from in vitro tests where neem bark extracts killed the AIDS virus . (Larson, 1993). Another possible effect neem may have on combating the AIDS virus is its apparent ability to enhance the cell-mediated immune response to infection. Using extracts made by soaking neem bark in water, Dr. Van Der Nat (Netherlands) determined that the extract produces a strong immune stimulating reaction. The neem bark extract stimulated lymphocyte function which increased production of MIF, a lymphokine that attaches macrophages and monocytes to infectious agents. (Upadhyay, et al, 1990).

Believed to be the first line of defense against HIV infection, (Beardsley, 1992); (Caldwell, 1994) neem's ability to enhance the cell-mediated immune response may provide protection from vaginal contraction of the disease if neem is used as a vaginal lubricant before intercourse. If even only partially successful in preventing the spread of AIDS, until scientists develop a cure, neem could save countless lives.

In cases where HIV has not advanced to full-blown AIDS some of the patients appear to have the enhanced cell-mediated immune responses (Caldwell, 1994) that neem can help produce. However, once contracted, AIDS may be treated by ingesting neem leaf extracts, whole leaf or by drinking neem tea.

Many of the complications associated with AIDS can also be treated with neem leaf or bark and creams. Lesions of the skin or burning sensations have been successfully treated with neem leaves added to bath water and by creams containing .

Warts and Neem
Neem absorbs viruses and prevents them from infecting cells. Since warts are caused by viruses, neem is effective in treating them. To treat the wart, cover it with whole neem leaves or soak the gauze portion of a small bandage with neem leaf extract or a neem based cream and place it over the wart. Change the bandage and reapply daily. After a week, check the area to determine the progress of the treatment.

Neem Cream
Creams containing can be used to prevent wrinkles by providing a natural skin protectant and moisturizer to the skin. Antibacterial compoundes in neem protect the skin while immune stimulating compounds help deeper layers of the skin fight any pathogens below the surface. These neem compounds help healthy skin retain its suppleness (Puri, 1993). After washing and drying the skin, rub a few drops of neem based cream on areas that are particularly susceptible to drying and wrinkles.

To supplement the beneficial effects of , apply a face pack made from neem bark. As the face pack dries, the soothing compounds of neem bark are absorbed into the skin. This helps to reduce wrinkles and will make the skin feel smoother and appear younger. It is an astringent mixture that tightens the skin and is particularly useful for hyper-sensitive people.

Poor Circulation
Neem leaf extracts can cause the blood vessels to dilate, (Thompson and Anderson, 1978) allowing for increased circulation to the extremities. Ingesting neem leaf extracts several times a week will enhance poor circulation and oxidize the blood.

Neem leaf extracts reduced cholesterol levels significantly in recent studies. Alcoholic extract of neem leaves reduced serum cholesterol by about 30% beginning two hours after administration and kept the level low for an additional four hours until the test ended. (Chattopadhyay, et al, 1992). Since neem is a safe herb when used in low doses, drinking neem tea for a month to stabilize cholesterol levels may be recommended. For those that would only need small reductions or for after eating an exceptionally fatty meals neem tea as an after meal drink may be a an alternative.

Diaper Rash and Neem
If your baby already has diaper rash, wash the baby's skin with neem shampoo or soap and dry with a clean towel. Then apply a neem-based cream or neem leaf powder to soothe the baby's skin, prevent diaper rash and to keep the baby's skin protected from moisture.

All babies get a red or sore bottom from time to time, even with frequent diaper changes and careful cleaning. Some common reasons for diaper rash include:

Irritation from a new product. Your baby's skin may have come into contact with something that irritated it. Possibilities include disposable wipes, a new brand of diaper, or a new brand of detergent, fabric softener or bleach used in the laundry. If you suspect one of these, change to a brand that hasn't bothered the baby before. Generally, you'll have better results if you use products that have few additives.

Chemicals in new clothes. Wash all new clothing before your baby wears it for the first time.

Sensitive skin. If your baby's skin is sensitive change diapers frequently, washing the area with clear water each time. Allow your baby's bottom to air dry. And use a soothing ointment any time pinkness occurs.

Bacterial or yeast infection. These can cause an irritating skin rash that needs to be treated with prescription creams. Contact your doctor if your baby has a rash that's stubborn and lasts more than a few days.

To help prevent diaper rash, avoid using super-absorbent disposable diapers because they tend to be changed less frequently. If you're using cloth diapers, wash and rinse them thoroughly. Select snap-on plastic pants instead of those with elastic binding for better air circulation.

Jock Itch and Neem
Neem seed oil and leaf extracts have been used for centuries to prevent fungal infections in the tropical regions where neem is found. Using a neem-based powder will dry the area, kill the fungus and reduce the itching. If the skin is reddened, a neem-based lotion can be substituted Conjunctivitis and Neem The inflammation of the eye can be treated with drops of room temperature neem tea prepared from powdered neem leaves. (Puri, 1993)
(Tincture should not be used due to the alcohol used in the extract.)
A few drops of the tea into each eye every three hours for one day should be sufficient. Overnight, a natural cream with should be wiped around the eye and eyelid.

Mononucleosis and Neem
Possibly related to hepatitis, "mono" should be treated with a mild neem tea three times a day for two weeks. The length and severity of the disease should be much improved if the regimen is followed.

Colds and Neem
Caused by a variety of viruses, colds are better prevented than cured. During cold season, drinking a mild neem leaf tea once or twice a week is recommended. If you do catch a cold, the symptoms can be lessened by drinking neem leaf tea three times a day and inhaling steam produced by boiling twenty neem leaves in a quart of water. This will also help prevent secondary bacterial infections of the nasal sinuses.

Influenza and Neem
Like the common cold, influenza or flu, as it's commonly called is caused by viruses, and is spread primarily in inside places where people congregate. Influenza usually comes on suddenly and can last for one day to a week. Usually more severe and longer lasting, the flu can lead to pneumonia if proper care is not taken to promote healing.

Outbreaks usually occur in the winter and early spring. Symptoms include:

Fever and chills Sore throat Cough Muscular pains and aches Fatigue and weakness Nasal congestion Drinking neem tea regularly during the disease will relieve some of the symptoms and speed recovery. Inhaling steam from boiled neem leaves will help the respiratory system and nasal passages fight secondary bacterial infections.

Hepatitis and Neem A dangerous disease, hepatitis can be transmitted through blood or by ingesting contaminated food or water. Studies have indicated that s can block infection by the virus that causes it (Unander, 1992). Prevention is recommended by drinking neem leaf tea after eating shellfish and after swimming in or drinking water potentially contaminated with sewage.

Viral hepatitis is a deadly disease with no effective remedy. Indian tests indicate that as much as 80% of the test cases showed significant improvement when treated with neem. (Wagh, 1988)

Infectious Diseases and Neem Food Poisoning and Neem Salmonella bacteria, the major culprit in food poisoning, has been shown to be killed by s (Patel, 1962, 1965). Although prevention is the best way to avoid food poisoning, once it has been ingested, neem is a viable option for reducing the length and severity of the attack. Oral doses of neem leaf teas will soothe the upset stomach, help the body rid itself of the bacteria and provide relief from many of the miserable symptoms.

Infectious Diseases and Neem Bacterial Preliminary studies in laboratories have shown that there have been significant effects on several bacteria strains (Rao, 1969, 1986); (Chopra, 1952, 1956, 1958); (Sankaram, 1986); (Rojanpo, 1985).

Mahmoodin, one of neem's many medicinal compounds, shows significant antibacterial activity against various gram-positive and gram-negative organisms (Seddiqui, 1992). The bacteria staphylococcus aureus that can cause peritonitis, cystitis and meningitis is killed or rendered harmless by small doses of leaf extract (Schneider, 1986). The bacteria streptococcus pyogenes, cornebacterium and E. coli were affected by s (Thaker and Anjaria, 1986). Another bacteria, salmonella typhosa, that causes typhoid, food poisoning and blood poisoning, is similarly affected in other studies (Patel, 1962); (Chopra, 1958) There has been no conclusive explanation for the actions against these bacteria, but research continues to seek the active compounds and mode of action (Rojanpo, 1985).

Infectious Diseases and Neem Thrush and Neem Drinking neem leaf tea will promote healing and reduce the pain and inflammation. Children under 12 should only gargle with the tea and not swallow. For the redness appearing on the skin around the mouth, a neem-based cream should be applied regularly until the infection has cleared.

One hour after taking aqueous leaf extracts -- or neem tea -- weak excitation and increased activity are seen, while decreased activity and lower muscular tone occur after five hours (Debelmas and Hache, 1976). Nimbidin has a mild suppressive effect on the central nervous system (Pillai and Santhakumari, 1984b). Neem leaf extracts have shown to produce lower activity, respiratory rate and muscle tone passivity as well as dose-dependent hypothermia (Gandhi, 1988); (Singh, 1986). The active compounds may be limonoids, because most seem to be able to pass the blood-brain barrier.

Epilepsy Hives Neem Spray www.theorgionalneemcompany.com Burns and Neem Neem has been used for centuries to treat problems of the skin and to prevent infection (Singh, et al, 1979). Neem reduces the pain, kills bacteria that can cause infection, stimulates the local immune system and promotes rapid healing with reduced scarring.

Burns are treated very effectively with a neem-based cream spread lightly on the affected area. Most minor burns can be treated successfully at home by following these steps:

Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for 15 minutes. If impractical immerse it in cold water or cover with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by carrying heat away from your skin. Don't use ice to cool a burn because it can further damage your skin. Don't use butter. Using butter on burned skin can further damage your skin and increase your risk of infection. Moisturize. Once a burn is completely cooled, apply a lotion or cream. It will help keep the burned area from drying out and may make the burn more comfortable as it heals. Continue to apply the cream until the burn has healed completely.

Bandage the burn. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Wrap the bandage loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging helps keep air off the area and reduces pain. Handle blisters with care.

Fluid-filled blisters help protect against infection, so don't break them. If they do break, wash the area with mild soap and water and then apply an antibiotic ointrnent and gauze bandage. Use over-the-counter pain relievers. If necessary, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve the pain of minor burns.

Without further treatment, most minor burns will usually heal in about one to two weeks. But make sure you monitor the burn for signs of infection.

Sunburns may also be treated with neem-based creams.

Earaches: Heat one clove of garlic in one teaspoon of sesame oil.
Let cool to just above body temperature.
Add two drops of campho oil and five drops of neem leaf extract or , then drip into each ear.
Use a bit of cotton in each ear to remove excess and to prevent it from running out.
Neem acts to relieve the localized pain receptors, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that can cause earaches.

Chagas Disease and Neem
Called the "American sleeping sickness", s prevent the deadly chagas disease (Beard, 1989) by preventing the parasite that causes it from surviving in its host, the biting "kissing bug". A single dose of azadirachtin given to the "kissing bug" provided permanent resistance to the parasite T.cruzi, thereby preventing transmission to humans (Gonzales and Garcia, 1992). By inoculating the "kissing bug" against infection by the parasite instead of simply poisoning the host, a buildup of resistance is reduced. Neem leaf or seed extracts sprayed throughout the home where the kissing bug lives eliminate the parasite and prevents the kissing bug from laying eggs. Drinking neem teas may also prevent infection by transferring to the bug as they take blood.

Neem Outdoor Spray
Neem provides an answer to many incurable diseases. Traditionally Neem products have been used against heat-rash, boils, wounds, jaundice, leprosy, skin disorders, stomach ulcers, chicken pox, etc.

Modern research also confirms Neem's curative powers in case of many diseases and provides indications that Neem might in future be used much more widely.

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Properties of Neem

Since ancient times, neem has been associated with healing in the sub-continent of India. A large number of medicinals, cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals are now based on neem derivatives because of it's unique properties.

Bark: Neem bark is cool, bitter, astringent, acrid and refrigerant. It is useful in tiredness, cough, fever, loss of appetite, worm infestation. It heals the wounds and is also used in vomiting, skin diseases and excessive thirst.

Leaves: According to Ayurveda, Neem leaves help in the treatment of vatik disorders (neuro muscular pains). Neem leaves are also reported to remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radical in the body by neutralising them. Neem leaves are reported to be beneficial in eye disorders and insect bite poisons. It treats Vatik Disorders ( neuroand muscular pains )

Fruits: Neem fruits are bitter, purgative, antihemorrhodial and anthelmintic in nature.

Flowers: Neem flowers are used in vitiated conditions of pitta ( balancing of the body heat ) and kapha ( cough formation). They are astringent, anthelmintic and non-toxic.

Seeds: Neem seeds are also described as anthelminitic, antileprotic, antipoisonous and bitter in taste.

Oil: derived from crushing the seeds is antidermatonic, a powerful anthelmintic and is bitter in taste. It has a wide spectrum of action and is highly medicinal in nature.

Mixture: Five parts of Neem tree ie. Bark, Root, Fruit, Flower and Leaves together are used in diseases of blood. It is also used in vitiated conditions of excess heat, itching, wound, burning sensation in body and skin diseases.


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Traditional use of Neem in India

There are several instances of Indian traditional custom sanctifying and encouraging usage of Neem. For instance Neem leaves have been used by holymen to avert illuck and diseases. Neem leaves are kept in the mouth signifying grief, on returning from funerals. A concoction made of Neem leaves, flowers, jaggery and raw mango is drunk on a new year's day for safegaurding health. (Gahukar 1995)

In the times when the Vedas were composed the Neem was called the Sarva Roga Nivarini, (one that could cure all ailments and ills.) and continued to be regarded for several centuries.

However, with the advent of the Portugese, British and French colonists in the Indian subcontinent a few hundred years ago, the traditional practices like using Neem leaves to protect crops and stored grains came to be regarded as backward practices and created a stigma, which led to the abandoning of these ecologically sound practice in favour of modern chemical products imported from the west. Centuries of knowledge and wisdom accumulated in the minds of people based on the trials and errors of generations gone by were threatened, slowly but surely.

Rational traditional knowledge However the values of their forefathers were too deeply ingrained to be totally abondoned, and they lingered in the minds of the masses. Neem continued to provide toothbrush, soap, sacrament, and spiritual food to millions of Indians.

The continued usage of Neem represented not a condition of primitiveness but was a fine example of rational traditional knowledge prevailing over misguided modern notions. It represented the truimph of a rationale once understood, expounded through custom, and translated into practice for the largest common good.

In the past, the combination of medicinal and agricultural values of neem made it a favoured companion of Indians journeying to distant lands in search of their fortunes and this contributed to its widespread distribution and propogation across continents. To Indians in foreign lands the Neem tree brought solace and helped them bridge the gap with their homeland. It symbolized a continuity of tradition and fulfilled the need to live in intimate harmony with nature. Thus the Neem tree found itself at home in Mauritius, Fiji, Australia, East and Sub-Sahelian Africa, South East Asia, many countries in central and south America and the Carribbean. With this journey across oceans, the saga of Neem spread to the far corners of the globe. (Tewari 1992)

Pioneering work in Neem research During the course of the freedom movement in India, led by Mahatma Gandhi, there was an upsurge of the 'Swadeshi' or nationalistic sentiment. This led to a move to encourage 'Swadeshi' science. Neem research in India was a part of this movement. Pioneering work on the possible commercial use of and cake was done by the Indian Institute of science in Bangalore during the 1920s. Until 1933, neem cake was used in the sugar cane fields as a fertilizer and to keep termites at bay. At this point synthetic pesticides and remedies appeared in the market and overshadowed the pioneering work of indigenious science.

Mahatma Gandhi, however kept the tradition of Neem alive. He was known to be a firm believer in the goodness of Neem. Dr Ekaid, in reply to some queries about neem leaves by Gandhi, wrote. "We have made experiments upon neem leaves in our laboratory which revealed that its leaves contain more nutritious elements than any other similar vegetation which had been subjected to chemical analysis earlier". The prayer meetings at the Sabarmati Ashram were conducted under a Neem tree by the Mahatma Gandhi and a Neem leaf chutney was a part of his everyday diet. (Dr. Shiva 1993)

Abstract 

	Limonoids are described as modified triterpenes with or derived from a 
precursor with a 4,4,8-trimethyl-17-furanylsteroid skeleton.  Over 300 limonoids 
have been isolated to date.  Past work has established a wide range of 
biological activities for these compounds including insect anitfeedant and 
growth inhibiting characteristics.  Although best known for their insecticidal 
properties a variety of medicinal effects in animals and humans has been 
illustrated including some anticarcinogenic effects on in-vitro human cancer 
cell lines and test animals.  Other limonoid properties include antifungal, 
bactericidal, and antiviral effects.

	The insecticidal aspect of these compounds gained economic importance with  
the application of the highly effective limonoid, azadirachtin.  Current  
literature for the last two years is devoted to the identification of Rutaceae 
and Meliaceae species containing limonoids.  Extraction and isolation methods  
make up a bulk of recent publications with eventual study of the limonoids as to  
biological activity exhibited toward insect species.  Lethal concentrations to 
50% of test insect speicies (LC50)  of most limonoids  studied fall in the range 
of 50 parts per million (ppm) or lower, with some  exhibiting  LC50 s as low as 
.625 ppm, depending on the insect studied.  The  effect of ring structure and 
chemical oxidation state parameters is a focus of  why limonoids exhibit 
activity against insect herbivores.	The variety of additional biological 
properties exhibited by limonoids has also  contributed to their interest to the 
scientific community.  The future course of  their study focus may well evolve 
into their use against cancer, bacteria,  viruses and fungi.

	Limonoids are secondary metabolites produced in plants found in the order 
Rutales.  Within this order, limonoids are most often found in the family 
Meliaceae and less frequently in the families Rutaceae and Cneoraceae.  Over 300 
limonoids had been identified by 1992, with many more being extracted and 
isolated from citrus species in the past five years. 

	Limonoids are described as modified triterpenes, having a 4,4,8 trimethyl 
- 17 furanyl steroid skeleton.  Arrangements of subgroups and ring structures 
within this basic building block provide a host of characteristics that have 
generated interest in this plant product.  These characteristics include 
insecticidal, insect growth regulation, insect antifeedant, and medicinal 
effects to animals and humans such as antibacterial, viral, and antifungal 
properties.  Of recent great interest, limonoid's possible anticarcinogenic 
properties are being explored.

	Further interest in limonoids is generated by their economic impact on the 
citrus fruit and juice industry.  The ability of some limonoids to produce an 
extremely bitter taste in these products has provided much impetus to the study 
of their structural makeup and characteristics.

Limonoids Verses Insects
	Limonoids appear to be a plant chemical response to insect herbivory.  
Studies in recent years have revealed insecticidal effects of many different 
limonoids. The specific effects studied include growth inhibition, feeding 
inhibition, molt inhibition, and insect growth regulation. Most studies have 
focused on the insect orders of Coleoptera, Diptera,
Heteroptera, Lepidoptera, and Orthoptera.    Azadirachtin (an Asian limonoid) or 
azadirachtin containing extracts have been shown to affect over 200 species of 
insects and mites (1, 2). 

	Unfortunately, a direct understanding of limonoid properties is hampered 
by many factors.  Investigators seldom utilize the same bioassay species and 
many times differences in larval stages tested may make comparisons invalid (3).  
In addition, the view that limonoids are primarily antifeedant chemicals 
has contributed to a majority of studies that fail to detect non-behavioral 
effects such as toxicity and growth regulation (4).  

	Even with some of these shortcomings, studies have shown some basic 
properties that the chemical structure of a particular limonoid imparts on 
insects. First, an understanding of the basic building structure of limonoids is 
necessary. Euphane and tirucallane are two very similar chemical precursors that 
give rise to ten different grouping of limonoids.  These precursor's structure 
is illustrated in Figure 1.


Figure 1.      Euphane:  Basic structure of a limonoid precursor.

In most limonoids the aliphatic straight carbon chain at the top is changed to a 
euphol group. 


Figure 2.  Euphol structure found on the furan ring of most limonoids.

	Limonoids are usually grouped according to changes they undergo in one or 
more of their four-ring structures. The rings are designated as A, B,  C, or D 
as shown in Figure 1.  Four  limonoid skeletal  structures are illustrated in 
the next figures to show how ring structure changes in groups.
	Azadirachtin is a limonoid that has been commercially used as a pesticide. 
(Figure 3)   It is classified in the  C-seco group.


Figure 3.   Azadirachtin skeletal structure, illustrating  its specific change 
in the C ring.  Side groups are not shown but oxygen incorporated into ring 
structures are illustrated. (True for all subsequent figures.)

	   
Azadirachtin has an open C ring, although some other members of the C-seco 
group's C rings are closed, with  an oxygen added to the other components of the 
ring. This group produces moult inhibition, antifeedant activity and growth 
inhibition in studied insects at concentrations of  1 part per million (ppm) or 
less(5). 
	Cedrelanolide is a B-seco limonoide extracted from stem bark of Cedrela 
salvadorensis, a small tree of the dry Pacific slope of Mexico(6 ). 
 
(Figure 4.)   

Figure 4.  Cedrelanolide,  illustrating change in the B ring.

Since this is a recently isolated limonoid, no studies as to its effects on 
insects have been noted in the literature. Other B-seco limonoids such as 
Toonacilin exhibit feeding inhibition in the 2000 ppm range and probably would 
not be of commercial interest (4). 
Limonin is an A,D seco limonoid of great commercial concern due to its property 
of imparting bitternes in some citrus juices.  This property caused it to be the 
first limonoid extracted and isolated for study. Both the A and D rings of these 
limonoids have an oxygen added or substituted into the ring structures. Limonin 
inhibits growth to 50 percent of insect species studied (EC50)  at 
concentrations of 700 to 1000 ppm. This does not make it desirable as a 
commercial insecticide. Another A,D seco limonoid is  nomilin, with EC50s in the 
range of 70 to 100 ppm.  Some members of this group may show commercial promise 
as an insecticide.  It may be that these limonoids function mainly as anti 
feedant chemicals. They are found in very high concentrations (> 1000 ppm) in 
many citrus plants(Figure 5). 


Figure 5.   Limonin, illustrating change in the A and D ring structure.

	The final figure illustrates Toosendanin, another limonoid found in the 
Far East. It is described  an intact apoeuphol limonoid, with no ring 
alteration. Like Azadirachtin, it has been extracted and used as a crop 
protectant.  It is  slightly less potent though, showing feeding and growth 
inhibition to studied insect species at levels of 200 to 400 ppm (Figure 6).


Figure 6.   Toosendanin,  an intact apoeuphol limonoid.

	There are about 10 groupings of limonoids based on how the specific rings 
are structured and elemental or chemical groups that are incoporated into or 
onto them. These figures serve to illustate how the groupings are derived.
	It appears that the addition of oxygen incorporation into ring structures 
and side groups to the cyclohexane ring structures contribute to the ability of 
these secondary plant compounds to damage  insects. One such oxygen arrangement 
found on  many of the limonoid groups is an epoxide. This addition of an oxygen 
to two carbons formerly possessing a double bond between them is a toxic 
metabolite often bioactivated by enzymes in humans (7). These oxygen 
additions are often very reactive and often cause problems by adducting to DNA 
or binding enzymes. They may play the same role in the metabolism of insects.
	One point reported in a few studies is that bioassyas to date have used 
oligophagous and polyphagous species of insects that rarely or never feed on 
limonoid containing plants. Limonoid insecticides probably are not good for 
control on citrus crops but may prove to be economically feasible for others 
(1).
	The C-seco limonoids are found only in the two related genera Azadirachta 
and Melia which suggest tha they are relatively specialized compounds which 
evolved concurrently with the separation of the Melieae as a distinct tribe. 
This separation has led to speculation on the selection pressure from insect 
herbivores as a driving force in the evolution of the various limonoid groups. 
At this point in time it is not possible to draw any conclusions regarding 
limonoid evolution  because of the lack of specific studies on structural 
activity.  All bioassays to date (1995) have used polyphagous or oligophagous 
insects that rarely or never feed on limonoid-containing hosts. The role of 
limonoids in a speculated coevolutionary relationship between plants and insects 
would have to be examined in the context of the adapted insect species feeding 
on limonoid containing plants (4). 

Limonoids as Bitter Substances
	The citrus juice industries of the world are greatly influenced by the 
characteristics of some limonoids. Most citrus fruits do not taste bitter if 
eaten fresh or if freshly squeesed juice is consumed. However, within a few 
hours after juicing at room temperature, or overnight if stored in a 
refrigerator, the juice extractd from some winter citrus variteties become 
bitter. Those varieties include navel orange, grapefruit, Natsudaidai, Iyo 
hybrids, pummelo hybrids and others. (8)  This gradual development of 
bitterness, or delayed bitterness, in these citrus juices is caused by the 
formation of limonin, from a tastless precursor.  The mechanism of delayed 
bitterness was not fully understood until 1968, when limonin was isolated. The 
economic importance of the bitterness in juice products provided the impetus for 
the structural description  of limonin, an impressive achievement for chemical 
analysis at that time. (9) The precursor was finally identified a year later as 
limonate A-ring lactone, which is present in the carpellary membrane and albedo 
tissue of fruits.   Intact fruit normally contains only the precursor.  After 
juice is expresessed from citrus fruits they gradually develop a bitter taste.  
The causative factor was shown to be limonin. 
	After juice is extracted, this precursor is gradually converted to 
limonin. The reaction proceeds under acidic conditions below pH 6.5 and is 
accelerated by the enzyme limonin D-ring lactone hydrolase.  (10)  The delayed 
bitterness lowers the quality and value of commercial juices and has significant 
negative economic impact to the citrus industry. Unusual weather and harvesting 
conditions which cause disruption of fruit tissues, such as freezing or 
mechanical damage, can promote the acidic pH and enzyme activity in the fruit 
tissues and the conversion of the precursor to limonin. (11)  Fresh citrus 
juices are usually not bitter, but after a short time, they develop an 
unpleasant taste.  Various lines of evidence showed that a non-bitter precursor 
was converted to limonin following disruption of fruit tissues.
	Limonin is exceedingly bitter and is shown detectable by human test 
subjects at concentrations ranging from .075 to 5 ppm.  (8 )    Other bitter 
tasting limonoids are nomilin, and ichangin, although  they are found is much 
lower concentrations than limonin in the fruits.	Debittering processes have 
recently been described using UDP-D-limonin glucosyltransferase.  This enzyme 
catalyses the glucosylation of both limonin and nomilin.  It is isolated and 
purified from the albedo tissues of naval orange cultivars.  The synthetic 
manufacture is being looked at for and economical means of juice flavor 
enhancement.  As with any new process, tests on product stability and health 
effects will have to undertaken to assure no long term adverse effects with the 
addition of this enzyme.  (12)

Limonoids and Treatments for Human Illnesses
	Extracts of many citrus species are used traditionally in the herbal 
medicines of the Far East.  The fruits and bark of the Chinaberry (Melia 
azedirach) have been used as a treatment for a variety of ailments in small 
doses, as it can be toxic to humans.  (1)  
	Medicinal properties of Azadirachta indica (neem) are also recognized 
historically.  Neem, a derivative of these plants has been used to treat blood 
disorders, hepatitis, cancer, ulcers, constipation, syphilis, snake bite and a 
host of other ailments. (13)  They appear to work well as topical formulations, 
finding success in the treatment of fungal infections and parasiticides.  Many 
of these activities are being substantiated by current research.
	Modern applications  include the use of the limonoid components neem, 
nimbidinic acid, and nimbolide.  These compounds have diuretic effects in test 
animals.  (14)   Sodium nimidinate is speculated to be the causal agent of neem 
oil spermicidal activity.  Nimbin has also been shown to protect against the 
ulcerative activity of aspirin and serotonin in rats and guinea pigs.  (15)
	Of special interest to countries in tropical locations is the antimalarial 
activity attributed to tropical meliaceae extracts and gendunin derivatives.  
Nibolide is shown to inhibit the growth, in vitro, of Plasmodium berghi, which 
causes malaria in humans.  Unfortunately, it has no in vivo inhibition in mice.  
Gendunin is also a limonoid found in A. indica and has been found to inhibit 
Plasmodium falciparum, the most active parasite for the cause of malaria 
worldwide.  The antimalaria activity of these limonoids has been linked to some 
of the reactive sites in their A rings.  (16)
	Nimbidin applied as .1, 1.0, and 5.0 percent solutions in dilute ethanol 
inhibited the growth of many bacterial and fungal species.  Just the same, 
species such as Eschericia coli, many citrobacter species, and Klebsiella 
pneumoniae showed no effects of nimbidin presence.  It must be noted also that 
the inhibition is occurring at very high concentrations of nimbidin, 5.0  
percent equals 50,000 ppm, and enormous dose for any pharmacological compound 
used for treatment.

Limonoid Anticarcinogenis and AntiMutagenic Activity.
	Some of the most exciting applications of limonoids and compounds derived 
from them are their use in the treatments of specific cancers.  Limonin, 
nomilin, 12,hydroxyamdorastatin, and isofraxinellone are limonoids or their 
derivatives that have been shown successful in treatments with in vitro 
bioassays on human tumor cell lines.  (17)
	Limonin and nomilin were described earlier as being bitter principals for 
citrus fruits.  Both limonoids have been found to induce increased activity of 
the detoxifying enzyme glutathione-S- transferase.  The increased enzyme 
activity was correlated with the ability of these compounds to inhibit 
chemically induced carcinogenisis in laboratory animals.  Administration of 
nomilin by gavage to a specified strain (ICR/Ha) of mice reduced the incidence 
and number of forestomach tumors per mouse induced by benzo [a] pyrene (BP), a 
potent epoxide former.  (1). 
	Addition of nomilin to the diet at various concentrations inhibited BP 
induced mice lung tumor formation.  This was attributed to the limonoid's 
inhibition of the formation of BP-DNA adducts in the lung.  (18)
	Topical application of limonoids was found to inhibit both the initiation 
and promotion phases of carcinogenisis in the skin of [SENCAR] mice.  Nomilin 
appeared to be more effective during initiation stage induced carcinomas while 
limonin was more potent as an inhibitor during the promotion phase of the 
carcinogenisis.  (17) These and other findings (19, 20) suggest citrus limonoids 
may be useful as cancer chemo-preventative agents.
	Recent studies into induced oral cancers in hamsters suggests that limonin 
can act as a capture chemical, intercepting compounds such as benzo [a] pyrene 
and other mutagens before the formation of adducts to cell macromolecules.  
Since oral cancers are on the rise in human populations, the treatment by an 
easily isolated and obtained compound would be of great interest to the oncology 
profession.

Conclusions
	The insecticidal properties of many limonoids, especially C-seco, and many 
more widely distributed intact apo-euphol skeleton, 14,15 epoxide limonoids, are 
driving many recent studies in the extraction and isolation of these compounds 
from new sources.  It may be though, that continued elucidation of limonoid 
compounds would be developed by their activity against organisms other than 
insects.  Indications of the antifungal, bacteriacidal, protisticidal and 
antiviral characteristics suggest a broader role for these compounds.
	As an economic concern, the neutralization of the chemical compounds that 
cause citrus bitterness in fruits and juices is a prime concern of this produce 
industry.  The increase in the purification process of UPD-D -glucose limonoid 
glucosyltransferase may provide a feasible method for  future debittering 
methods.
	As a health conscious society with increasing concern and desire for 
effective cancer treatments, the limonoids are extremely attractive.  With over 
300 similar compounds, the bioassay of known limonoids for their anticancer and 
antimutagenic activities will encourage much more investigation. Like many of 
their secondary plant metabolite cousins, limonoids appear to be a source of 
countless possible resources that can benefit the human race.


References

1. Huang, RC;  Tadera, K;  Yagi, F.  1996.  "Limonoids from the Melia 
azedarach." Phytochemistry. Volume 43, Number 5.  Pages 581-583.

2. Kumar, CSSR;  Srinivas, M; Yakkundi, S.  1996.  "Limonoids from the Seeds of 
Azadirachta indica."    Phytochemistry.   Volume 42, Number 2.  Pages 451-455.

3. Mendel, MJ;  Alford, AR;  Rajab,MS.  1993.   "The Relationship of Citrus 
Limonoid Structure to Feeding Deterence Against Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: 
Noctuidae) Larvae."  Environmental Entomology.   Volume 22,  Number 1.  Pages 
167-173.

4. Champagne, DE; Opender, K; Murray, BI.   1992.  "Biological Activity of 
Limonoids from the Rutales."  Phytochemistry.  Volume 31, Number 2. Pages 377-
394.

5. Takeya, K;  Qiao, ZS; Hirobe, C.   1996.  "Cytotoxic Azadirachtin-type 
Limonoids from Melia azedarach."    Phytochemisty.   Volume 42, Number 3.  Pages 
709-712.

6. Rosabel, S;  Calderon, J;  Toscano, R.   1994.  "Cedrelanolide I, a New 
Limonoid from Cedrela salvadorenis."  Tetrahedron Letters.   Volume 35, Number 
21. Pages 3437-3440.

7. Klaassen, C.   1996.  Casarett and Doull's Toxicology: the Basic Science of 
Poisons. 5th Edition.  Magraw-Hill Health Professions Division,  New York.   
1996.

8.  Hasegawa, S;  Maier, VP.   1990.   "The Biochemistry of Limonoid Citrus 
Juice Bitter Principles and Biochemical Debittering Processes."   Developments 
in Food Science.   Volume 25 .  Pages 281-287.

9.   Hasegawa, S;  Miyake, M.     1997.   "Biochemistry and Biological Functions 
of Citrus Limonoids."    Food Review International.  Volume 12, number 4. Page 
413.

10.    Hasegawa, S;  Berhow, MA;  Fong, CH.   1995.   Fruit Analysis.   Western 
Regional  Research Center, USDA, Albany, California.     Berlin Co.  New York.

11. Fong, CH;  Hasegawa, S;  Miyake, M.   1993.  "Limonoids and Their Glucosides 
in Valencia Orange Seeds During Fruit Growth and Development."  Journal of 
Agricultural and Food Chemistry.   Volume 41, Number 1.  Pages 112-115.

12. Hasegawa, S;  Suhayda, CG; Hsu, WJ.   1997.  "Purification of Limonoid 
Glucosyltransferase from Navel Orange Albedo Tissues."  Phytochemistry.  Volume 
46, Number 1.  Pages 33-37. 

13.      Stark, JD;  Walter, JF.    1995.  "Neem Oil and Neem Oil Components 
affect the Efficay of Commercial Neem Oil Insecticides."   Journal of 
Agricultural and Food Chemistry.    Volume 43, Number 2.  Pages 507-512.

14.	Gunning, PJ;  Jeffs, LB;  Isman,  MB.    1994.   "Two Limonoids from            
Chisocheton microcarpus.   Phytochemistry.   Volume 36, Number 5.            
Pages 1245-1248.

15.	Cohen, E;  Quisted, GB; Jefferies, PR.     1996.      "Nimbolide is the 
Priciple 	Cytotoxic Component of Neem Seed Insecticide Preparations."  
Pesticide	Science.    Volume 48,  Number 2.    Pages 135-140.

16.	MacKinnon, S;  Durst, T;  Arnason, JT.   1997.    "Antimalarial Activity 
of Tropical Meliaceae Extracts and Gedunin Derivatives."   Journal of Natural 
Products. Volume 60,  Number 4.  Pages 336-341.

17.	Ahn, JW.    1994.    "Cytotoxic Limonoids from Melia azedarach 
var.japonica."    Phytochemistry.    Volume 36,  Number 1.   Pages 1493-1496.

18.	Lam, LKT; Zhang, J;  Hasagawa, S.     1995.   " Inhibition of Chemically 
Induced	Carcinogenisis by Citrus Limonoids."   ACS symposium Series 1994.  
American	Citrus Society.  Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

19.	Miller, EG;   Gonzales-Sanders, AP; Couvillon, AM.   1994.    "Inhibition 
of	Oral Carcinogenisis by Green Coffee Beans and Limonoid Glucosides."  ACS 
Symposium Series 1994. American  Citrus Society.  Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

20.	Miyazawa, M;   Shimamura, H;  Nakamura, S.    1995.    " Antimuagenic 
Activity of  Isofraxinellone from Dictamnus dasycarpus."    Journal of 
Agricultural and	Food Chemistry.   Volume 43,  Number 6.   Pages 1428-1431.

IDRC has, as part of this network, two ongoing projects, one on neem and the other on medicinal plants. The neem project will further investigate the active principle of neem, i.e. the limonoid azadirachtin. This active principle has remained an enigma and its putative role as a biopesticide, immunomodulatory, antifertility and antiviral agent has not been scientifically validated and completely investigated. Furthermore, economical methods to extract and separate azadirachtin will be developed, its stable formulations standardized and biopesticides produced on a pilot scale and tested. The immuno-active components and their immunomodulatory functions will be evaluated.

#8 from R&D Innovator Volume 1, Number 3          October 1992

From Patio to Pesticide
by Robert O. Larson

Mr. Larson imports rare wood, mainly for musical instrument construction.  He also conducts seminars on using neem extract for insect control in the field and stored grain.

I was skimming the Atlanta Journal, killing time before my next flight, when I spotted an article on a U. S. Department of Agriculture research group that formulated a pesticide from an extract of the neem seed kernel.  A flood of memories rushed over me as I recalled visiting V.R. Sonti in Nagpur, India in 1973.  My host and I were having a night-cap on his veranda when I noticed the bizarre absence of insects.  This is how I reconstruct our conversation:

"Teddy, how come that even with these bright fluorescent bulbs, I see no bugs?"

"I think it has something to do with those two neem trees in the corner."

"What's a neem tree?"

"It's in the mahogany family."

"Okay, but what does it do?"

"They say when the breeze blows through the neem tree, the air takes on an odor that flying insects dislike.  They stay upwind of the smell."

I walked over to a tree; it seemed odorless. But when I chewed a leaf, I spat it out hastily -- it was extremely bitter.   We continued talking.  "What else can you tell me?"

"My wife washes and dries the seeds, then puts them in with our food grains."

"So what happens?"

"No bugs get into our food bins."

"Really? What else?"

"Well, she takes fresh leaves and puts them under our mattresses and then bugs don't crawl up into our beds."

As we continued talking, the wonders of this tree began to take on mythical dimensions.  His wife, it turned out, put leaves in books to keep insects from devouring them and put leaves in woolens to deter moths from laying eggs.

"Anything else?"

"Sure. If you crush the leaves and rub them on your body, mosquitoes won't bite."

He went on to say that neem leaf juice would cure scabies, relieve rashes, and prevent scarring from poxes.  He closed his fascinating lesson by mentioning that neem twig toothbrushes reduce cavities and prevent gum disease.

I was hooked, but I'm a hardwood importer, not a botanical pesticide expert.  What could I do with the information?  Something else was bothering me.  Even though several hundred million Indians were using this tree every day, we in the West hadn't heard much about it.  I asked why not. 

"No money in it, I guess."

In the Atlanta airport, I felt my amazement return after all those years, so I phoned the USDA researcher named in the article.  When I told Martin Jacobson what I knew, he invited me to visit his lab in Beltsville, Maryland.  There, the chemists and entomologists of the "Neem Team" reviewed their remarkable insect control results and asked me to obtain better seeds.  When I proved able to do that, they were apparently impressed; at any rate, they invited me to help them produce a stable pesticide from the neem tree. 

The neem team suspected that the active ingredient in deterring and killing insects was a recently isolated molecule named azadirachin.  I learned that big chemical companies were not interested in working with an unpatentable, natural product.  The molecule was complex and incompletely understood; no one believed such a tetranortriterpenoid molecule could be synthesized at the time.

I was intrigued and flattered by the challenge and the team's request for help.  Despite a smattering of biology and zoology in my background, I'm no chemist.  I decided my best contributions would be my abundant curiosity, resourcefulness, and tenacity.   I drew up an accord with USDA stipulating that I would oversee the development of an effective and stable pesticide and they, together with USDA researchers nationwide, would study its efficacy on insects and plants.

At first, I couldn't find a chemist able and willing to work in this eclectic area, but I reasoned that since azadirachtin was plant-derived, food chemists might be interested.  I located a chemistry lab with a rich background in consulting to agriculture and food companies.  

Early on, we recognized that the chief problem was not making an effective extract, but in stabilizing it.  Because the USDA extract decomposed by 75 percent in just four weeks, it was commercially useless.  We determined that azadirachtin was most stable in acid conditions.  That made eminent good sense, since its home in the seed was acidic as well.  When we held the pH between 3.8 and 4, like in the seed, the product held stable for months at a time.

Refrigeration enhanced stability but brought about oil separation upon prolonged storage, and this made it difficult to dilute the material with water for spraying plants.  It occurred to me that freezing the extract might cause the oil(s) to separate and the problem oil(s) could then be removed, permitting the easily emulsifiable oils which contained the active material.  This worked beautifully on the first trial and the revised formulation was the one submitted for registration by the Environmental Protection Agency.

We named the product Margosan-O after margosa, the Portugese name for neem.  My first seeds came from a pharmacist who'd been raised in the former Portugese colony of Goa and labelled the package "Margosa."  The USDA lab tests showed that Margosan-O diluted with water was death, delay and heartbreak to insects.  Even dilute extracts gave up to 30 days activity before decomposing into benign chemicals. 

Margosan-O was shown to be non-toxic to mammals, and extremely "soft" on good predator insects.  It is harmless, for example, to honeybees, beneficial wasps, butterflies, and ladybugs.  These results indicate that this pesticide has a unique ability to control more than 135 insects such as whiteflies, gypsy moths, leafminers and thrips without harming the environment.   Earthworms, actually increased in number after Margosan-O spray ran off into the soil!  This highly selective pesticide received a U.S. patent and was registered for use on non-food crops in 1986.

Lately, Neem has been receiving quite a bit of attention worldwide as various corporations  and agricultural entitities learn about the many uses of neem—from pesticides derived from a seed extract to hygienic and medicinal products from other parts of the tree.  Truly a tree for the 90's...and beyond!

What do I conclude from this serendipitous history?  The development of Margosan-O was stimulated from just about every imaginable source.  A news article in Atlanta freshened a memory of an evening in India, which led me to visit the USDA in Maryland, where I became obsessed by this natural product.  The use of food chemists on a pesticide problem helped overcome a shortage of the "right" technical expertise.  Many other people read the Atlanta Journal, many others have visited India, and others knew of the USDA research on neem.  My interests in exotic wood and the environment were the catalysts that stimulated me to evolve an idea into a useful product.

I take no great personal pride in the development of Margosan-O; My own contributions were embarrassingly minimal.  I served more as a conduit for the knowledge and efforts of others than as an laboratory-man.  Perhaps that defines the ideal role of the entrepreneur.

Neem Oil Background:  

The Neem tree originated in India, but about 200 years ago when ships began travelling the world, the beautiful Indian Neem tree was carried to all parts of the globe. So today we have several varieties of Neem trees, such as Indonesian, African, Mauritian, Burmese, Philippine etc as well as the original Indian. Recent trials have shown that the Mauritius variety is best suited to Queensland, producing 4 to 5 times the volume of seed compared to the next best variety, while tests have shown that the seeds from all varieties produce about the same volume of actives.

The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) produces several substances that effect on insects, both insecticidal (kills insects) and repellant. The best known of these is Azadirachtin, but even this comes in several forms, such Azadirachtin A, Azad B, Azad J etc., the form with the greatest activity against insects being Azad J (other actives are Nimbin, Nimbidin, Salannin etc). Because of the large variety of active ingredients, it is believed that insects will have great difficulty developing immunity, as if they become immune to one molecule, the others will bowl them over.

While the Neem tree produces these wonderful substances in all parts of the tree – wood, bark, leaves, roots, seeds – the greatest concentration is found in the kernel of the seed, and by cold pressing the seed kernels, Cold Pressed Neem Oil is obtained. This is the substance that The Apothecary uses to make his range of Neem based products.

Repellant effect – Neem has demonstrated its repellancy in trials against many insects, including buffalo fly & ticks in cattle, ticks & lice in sheep, mosquitos & sand-flies, human head lice, fleas & ticks on dogs,  cats & all domestic pets, insects parasitic against fruit, vegie & broad acre crops such as cotton & sugar, & for the first time ever against the North Q’land Fruit Sucking Moth. (DPI has tested it against this moth at Mareeba in North Q’land, & described it as a “cumulative repellant”)  Until now there has been no way to prevent this pest from attacking fruit crops in North Q’land, but if applied at fortnightly intervals on (say) citrus, when the fruit first starts to change colour in January/February, fruit thrives & is so well protected that Champion Fruit of Show results. Similar spectacular results occur with domestic pets – ticks disappear overnight, although fleas take longer due to the fact that they live in the soil & pets keep picking them up when they lie on the ground. However, with perseverance, after about 2 months all fleas are eradicated & pets will be free of fleas & ticks so long as the Neem is applied regularly. (See Neem Pet Spray in the list of products in the “Petcare Range” flyer). Poultry & pigeons also benefit greatly – simply by painting The Apothecary Neem Pet Spray on perches will see the complete eradication of lice from cages. Neem products are also effective in repelling human headlice, providing for the first time ever a means of protecting children from lice re-infestation from play-mates – twice weekly application of The Apothecary QuitNit Plus Spray is all it takes - after killing the lice with The Apothecary QuitNit Plus Shampoo treatment. A spectacular illustration of Neem’s effectiveness as a repellant was demonstrated by the Canadian Forestry Service, which demonstrated that neem  repels a wasp parasitic on pine trees with as little as one part per million (ppm) of azadirachtin present.

Insecticidal effect – Neem kills insects by many different methods, the best known of which is it’s anti-feedant action. Once dosed, insects can’t feed & thus starve to death. However, Neem has many other activities against insects, namely :-

·        disrupting or inhibiting development of eggs, larvae or pupae,

·        preventing the molting of larvae or nymphs,

·        disrupting mating & sexual communication,

·        repelling larvae & adults,

·        deterring females from laying eggs,

·        sterilising adults,

·        poisoning larvae & adults,

·        feeding deterrent,

·        blocking the ability to swallow by reducing the motility of the gut

·        preventing metamorphosis, thus preventing for example mosquito wrigglers maturing into adults,

·        inhibiting the formation of chitin, the substance essential for the insect to form an exoskeleton

Thus all leaf-eating bugs are wiped out as are all insects actually coming into contact with Neem. This huge array of insecticidal properties of Neem is thought to be due to it’s adversely effecting the insects hormone system. If that is so then no insect will be able to become immune, because it’s hormone system is essential for every bodily function. Most significant, insects develop resistance in each subsequent generation, and as insects dosed with Neem cannot breed, thus there are no subsequent generations in which resistance can develop.

Is Neem Safe ? – Neem is safe for humans, animals, birds & fish, yet deadly to most insects. Exceptions are spiders, butterflies, bees, ladybirds etc, ie non-leaf eating insects. Indians have been using Neem for hundreds of years – Mahatma Ghandi is said to have regularly prepared & eaten Neem chutney – as oral hygiene & dental care, fungicide, bactericide, small doses taken internally to treat malaria, to control blood sugar in diabetes, consumed as Neem leaf tea; and the leaves & seeds are eaten by sheep & cattle without any ill effects. Trees planted at Midge Point in North Q’land are regularly attacked by possums which eat the bark in huge quantities, not doing the trees a lot of good, while the bloody possums thrive.

Other uses of Neem – The active ingredients of Neem which so adversely effect insects is also present in the timber of the tree, so is termite & borer resistant. Being a member of the mahogany family, the timber has a huge future in Queensland.

The Neem tree is a fast growing, clean tree, with no rubble underneath, so lawn can grow right up to the trunk – save for lack of light due to the canopy. It provides beautiful shade, & if a barbecue is placed under the canopy, insect-free barbecues may be enjoyed.

Neem oil is used in India to make all sorts of consumer products, such as soap, cosmetics, antiseptics, toothpastes, gargle, ointments, poultices, lubricants, fertilizers, fuel for oil lamps, glue, rope & tannin from bark fibre, as well as pesticides & repellants. Neem has a huge future in Queensland as potential timber source, while the branch tips & leaves can be harvested annually, mulched & used as a mulch/fertiliser which when taken up systemically by the roots imparts resistance to insect attacks to crops.

Neem based products made by The Apothecary -   See Above

Other products that promote Th1 cytokines

Neem- promotes IFN-gamma inhibits HIV-1 and candida albicans

Neem is a botanical that has been used in animal experiments to terminate a pregnancy. This has been attributed by several researchers to a strong Th1 cytokine response, particularly IFN-gamma and TNF (1). Increases in CD8 cells have been reported. Talwar reports that Neem has “inhibitory action on a wide spectrum of micro-organisms, including candida albicans, C tropicalis, gonorrhoeae, the multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and urinary tract Escherichia coli, Herpes simplex-2 and HIV-1.” (2)

Neem seed extract is reported to contain liminoids, some of which are toxic to certain cancer cell lines. (3). A 10 week study with Neem for its adverse effects showed a decrease in testosterone in wistar rats, who also had increases in white and red blood cells and lymphocyte counts without showing any cytotoxic effects. (4)

With one report that Neem has inhibitory action against HIV and promotes Th1 cytokines, this herb is worthy of consideration. Because it may reduce testosterone levels, the use of Ginseng with Neem would be synergistic as Ginseng increases testosterone levels. Neem is another treatment to promote Th1 cytokines that may also reduce HIV and the herpes viral loads. A Neem leaf powder in capsule form is available from “Natrol.”

I have no dosage recommendations except to suggest to follow the manufacturers recommendations. There are no studies I am aware of with Neem as a treatment for AIDS, CFIDS and candidiasis. Neem is plentiful and inexpensive. If you decide to use Neem, inform your physician and monitor your lab results as well as how you feel and let us know what you think of its effects, good or bad. When it comes to herbs like Neem with strong anti-microbial properties, I think it might be wise to pulse its use, that is, to use it just 3 days per week as the highest recommended dose. When we obtain reports of persons who use it continuously versus those who pulse it, we will be in a better position to recommend dosage levels as well as how to use it.

1. Talwar et al; Am J Reprod Immunol 1997 Jun;37(6):485-91

2. Talwar et al, Immunol Cell biol 1997 apr;75(2):190-2

3. Cohen E et al; Life Sci 1996;58(13):1075-81

4. Parshad O et al; West Indian Med J 1994 Sep;43(3):71-4.

RYM EXPORTS - THE INDIAN NEEM TREE SPECIALISTS.

WE ARE :

Researchers, Surveyors, Promoters, Consultants,Contract Manufacturers, Manufacturer's representatives,Traders & Exporters of everything related to
NEEM TREE : AZADIRACHTA INDICA A. JUSS.

National Research Council ( NRC ), Washington, USA, has released a report with title as "
Neem: Tree for Solving Global Problems.". The NRC Panel considers the Neem to be " one of
the most promising of all plants and the fact that it may eventually benefit every person on this
planet. Probably no other plant yields as many strange and varied products or has as many
exploitable by-products. "

NEEM TREE APPLICATIONS:

1. Organic Agriculture / Natural Farming : Oils, Pesticides,
Fertiliser, Nitrogen Saver, etc..
2. Herbal Cosmetics : Preservative, Anti Dandruff, Anti Lice,
Anti Acne / Pimples, Anti Psoriasis/ Eczema / etc.), and is
incorporated in Soaps, Shampoos, Hair cleansers, Creams,
Ointments, Vitalisers, Antibacterial Handwash, Face masks,
etc.,
3. Herbal Medicine / Pharmacy : Especially for Major Skin
diseases, Antimalarial, Antituberculosis, Antiworms,
Anticlotting, Blood Detoxifier, Antiperiodontitic, AntiViral,
Antibacterial, Antifungal, etc..)
4. Herbal Veterinary Medicine : Ecto Parasite Barrier, etc.. &
other fields.

CONTACT US AT :

RYM EXPORTS , 26, Madhu Estate, P.B.Marg, Worli, Mumbai
( Bombay ) - 400 013 , INDIA
Tel. No. : 91 22 8210025 / 4941936 / 4933637
Fax No. : 91 22 8378341 / 4964214
Email : milanvmehta41@yahoo.com

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY:
**
Dear Milan,

I am very happy to know that the shipment has left. I prefer to be able to work with you instead of going through another sourcer so thank you for your offer to continue working with me.

Devjani

N.B.: She is from USA and has ordered Neem Oil, Neem Powder, other Natural Oils & Herbal Powders in her first order. She has not asked for Samples & Payment was sent 100 % advance.
**
Dear Milhan Mehta,

I have just received my order of Neem oil. I am pleased with the quality of oil and would like to make another order soon.
Also, do you take credit cards (VISA) ?

Namaste,

James in Canada

N.B.This was Mr. James First Order . He had placed his Order with 100 % Advance payment without asking for samples.
**
To : milanvmehta@hotmail.com Subject: Re: Neem

Best regards from France, I was busy and I didn't thank you for the sending of Neem oil. I make it now... I have not experiment it because here it is the end of winter, and insects are not outside. I'll give news as soon as possible.

Thanking you,
yours sincerely,
Gilles.

N.B.: Dr. Gilles ordered Neem Oil by Air and paid 100 % advance as all our clients do. We await his results.

OUR ASSOCIATION WITH NEEM TREE :

Mr. Milan Mehta, the Managing Partner of Rym Exports, is a First Class Distinction Chemical Engineer and has done Survey in Neem. He has been invited to International Conferences to
present papers. Leading Magazines invite him regularly for contributing articles & views related to Neem from him. International Magazines ( Soap, Perfumery & Cosmetics , SPC, U.K.) & Indian ( AGRO INDIA ) have not only published the articles but repeated it and also await few more articles from him. Recently he was invited to participate in Scientific Meet on Integrated Pest Management with Neem. He has been interviewed by National Television of India & Newspapers. During his Survey, he learned a lot from the Traditional Practitioners and his access to the latest R & D taking place Worldwide. As a result, he made changes in the extracts
quality and in return the Product's Efficacy. Neem Oil & Neem Leaves Powder were the first products. The samples were sent to Europe and USA. Within 1 month, Orders flowed in with 100
% advance !

TODAY:

At Rym Exports, We are proud to be the only Company in the world to have largest number of Neem Related Products . We Screen the Raw Materials, Make suitable changes, Manufacture
on Contract various products of Neem, Represent Manufacturers of Genuine Neem Products, always keeping in view that Quality is never Compromised and Quantity Supplies of the same are assured. Track of Latest Research, Development, Technology Upgradation, Products introduced, etc.. Is kept on continuous basis.

FROM NEEM TREE WE OFFER :

1. RAW MATERIALS: Neem Saplings, Neem Seeds, Neem
Leaves & Neem Bark Pieces,
2. PROCESSED RAW MATERIALS: Powders of Neem Seed,
Neem Kernel,Neem Leaves & Neem Bark.
3. NEEM TREE OILS : 3 different Types, depending on end use,
including Cold Pressed.
4. NEEM CAKES : 4 types as Natural Fertiliser, Nitrogen Saver,
Insect Repellent, AntiNematodes, etc...
5. EXTRACTS : of Seed, Leaf & Bark with varying contents of
Important Liminoids.
6. PRODUCTS CONTAINING AZADIRACHTIN : Seed, Oil,
Extract ( 0.5 - 22 % Aza.).
7. READY FORMULATIONS : 0.03 , 0.15, 0.5 & 1 %
Azadirachtin Formulation in 200 litres Drum.

NEEM TREE PRODUCTS WE OFFER :

1. Neem Soap
2. Neem, Basil & Mint Soap
3. Neem Shampoo
4. Neem Capsules
5. Neem Leaf Powder
etc.

For further details listed properly in Index as you normally see a website, you can always visit our master webpage:

http://maxpages.com/neemtree

For those whose interest is more for Neem in Agricultural Use, you can visit:

http://maxpages.com/neemuses

Milan Mehta
NEEM TREE PROMOTER & SPECIALIST

Rym Exports
26, Madhu Estate, P.B.Marg, Worli,
Mumbai 400 013
INDIA

Tel: + 91 22 8210025 / 4941936 / 4933637
Fax: + 91 22 8378341 / 4964214
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The neem tree symbolizes all that is wondrous in nature; it is a means to future hope for better health and prosperity. Industrial development and greening of the earth as an integrated approach will soon gain ground to be a popular practice in the 21st century and beyond.

Freedom from disease

The information being generated on it in the modern format of science continues to confirm all the ancient claims. Its mammalian safety and environment friendliness reports are highly encouraging. Its bioactivity spectrum against the harmful organisms is ever increasing.

Following is a informal compilation of sime of the investigations done in Neem in recent past.

THE LEAF

Neem leaves are now known to contain nimbin, nimbinene desacetylnimbinase, nimbandial, nimbolide and quercentin.

Neem leaves have shown potential in the following areas :

• Studies indicate that tender leaves are effective in Parasitic infections.
• A 10% aqueous extract of tender leaves has been found to posess anti-viral
  properties.
• Studies on plasma clotting time using Russel's viper venom have proved that the leaf extract contains a clotting inhibitor. This justifies its use in the treatment of poisonous bites.
• A total extract of Neem leaves has shown potential as a potent Hepatoprotective agent
• Water extract of Neem leaves have shown significant antiulcer activity
• Essential oil from fresh leaves has a mild fungicidal action
• Neem leaf extract shows significant Anti-inflammatory effect
• Neem leaf extract have shown reduction in the frequency and severity of stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions.
• Intraperitoneal administration of Neem leaf, bark and seed extracts revealed immuno-stimulatory properties of Neem, which are responsible for their anti-HIV effect.

THE FRUIT & SEEDS

• Azadirachtins from Neem seed kernel, are among more than a 100 compounds found in Neem. So far twelve azadirachtins have been identified, all the twelve have high level of biological activity.
• It has been reported that a single low dose of azadirachtin immunized the kissing bug a transmitter of Chagas disease.
• Azadirachtins have shown inhibition of larval, pupal and adult moults and of reproduction and fitness of both plant-feeding and aquatic larvae like mosquitoes.
• Gedunin, contained in whole fruit has been shown to possess antimalarial activity.

THE BARK

• Nimibidin found in neem bark is now known to be antipyretic and non-irritant, and it has found to be effective in treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, furunculosis, arsenical dermatitis, burn ulcers, Herpes labialis, scabies and seborrhaeic dermatitis.
• It is also effective in the treatment of skin diseases of unknown origin, such as warts and dandruff.
• Extracts of bark have potent diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Nimbidin and sodium nimbidinate contained in neem bark are reported to possess spermicidal activity.
• Neem bark has shown anti-bacterial activity against various gram positive organisms.

Recent Developments on Neem in the Developed World

For nearly the past two decades, neem has come under close scientific scrutiny as a source of novel, natural insecticides in numerous international conferences, mostly held in developed countries; the latest being in Australia in Feb., 1996. Nearly 2000 scientific papers have been published to date on neem. Australia with its large tracts of unused arid and semi-arid lands may become the largest grower of neem in the next couple of decades.

Interest in neem in the developed world

The interest in neem in the developed world is attributable to the fact that neem-based pest control products with diverse modes of action are not only effective against pests, but also inherently safer, less persistent in the environment, and less prone to the problem of pest resistance than the synthetics. Today, technical grade neem active ingredients, principally azadirachtins, fetch the highest price, about US$ 375/kg as 'Margosan', containing 0.3% azadirachtin, was granted approval from the US Environmental Agency for non-food uses on ornamentals and landscape plants; in 1993 EPA approved the use of neem products, such as 'Neemix' on food crops.

The U.S. based W.R. Grace Co., which holds patents from the US Patent and Trademarks Office (PTO) on the method of extracting the insecticide from neem, is advertising Neemix as a "modern technology from ancient trees". Agridyne, another U.S. - based company, is marketing 'Align' (with 3% azadirachtin and 97% inert ingredients, mainly other neem limonoids) for control of insect pests in vegetable, fruit, nut and agronomic crops.

Both products are now being used on commercial-scale crop management in Canada. Neem-based pesticides are expected to capture 10% of the global pesticide market by the next decade. Grace and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have also obtained a patent on a technique for using a neem extract as a fungicide. A total of nearly 50 patents have been grated on neem so far. The use of additives, adjuvants, activators, and even Bt, are being examined for potentiating the activity of azadirachtins against insect pests (Walter and Stark 1996).

The Grace's patenting of neem pesticides and their formulations has evoked serious criticism an challenge in the developing world, particularly in India, as an example of 'folk wisdom piracy'. Neem has been used in the Indian subcontinent for ages for insect control and for a range of medical purposes, and should be regarded as 'prior art'. In case of neem, the wheel of technologfy as turned East to West, rather than West to East.

Efforts are underway in some European countries to extract azadirachtin on a commercial scale from neem calli. But, in all probability, such ventures would remain nonviable and economically unjustifiable. Quantity neem seed with high aza content would remain the basic raw material for production of neem-based insecticides of the future. In that context, tropical countries of Asia and Africa could become major exporters of the raw material or even value-added finished products

Copyright ©1997 by Neem Foundation (R). All rights reserved. 

Other Herbal articles

Neem: An Ancient Cure for a Modern World by Julia Cornborough

The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) has been known as the wonder tree for centuries in the Indian subcontinent. It has become important in the global context today because it offers answers to the major concerns facing mankind. About the Author      Julia Thornborough, BSc, MRQA, MNBPA, TIDHA is a Clinical Aromatherapist. She trained in aromatherapy at the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in London. As well as having a private practice in Dorset, she teaches aromatherapy for use at home for the Holiday Property Bond and also conducts courses for care staff in residential homes for the elderly. Her particular interest of research is the use of aromatherapy in immune related disease. She can be contacted at Linden Lea, 16 Linden Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1JH      For information on Neem tea bags and Neem, contact Perpetua Herbals, Tel / Fax: 01437 764415; email: sidvin@cwcom.net

The Neem Tree Leaves of the Neem help in the treatment of neuromuscular pains and neutralise free radicals      The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) has been known as the wonder tree for centuries in the Indian subcontinent. It has become important in the global context today because it offers answers to the major concerns facing mankind.      The history of the Neem tree is inextricably linked to the history of the Indian way of life. Although the antiquity of Neem is shrouded in the mists of time, this evergreen robust looking tree has long been cherished as a symbol of health in the country of its origin. It has, for a very long time, been a friend and protector of the Indian villager. Brihat Samhita, an ancient Hindu treatise, contains a chapter of verses on plant medicines. It contains recommendations for specific trees to be planted in the vicinity of one’s house. Neem was highly recommended. The Tree      Neem is a medium sized to large tree characterised by its short straight trunk, furrowed dark brown to grey bark, and dense rounded crowns of pinnate leaves. Native to India, Neem is widely planted and naturalised in semiarid areas throughout Asia and Africa. Neem is an evergreen of the tropics and sub-tropics. It belongs to the family Meliaccae and is a cousin of the Chinaberry. With an extensive and deep root system, the hardy Neem can grow luxuriantly even in marginal and leached soils, and thrives up to an elevation of 1500m. The Neem flowers profusely between February and May. The honey-scented white flowers, found in clusters, are a good source of nectar for bees. Neem fruits are green drupes which turn golden yellow on ripening in the months of June, July and August, in India. The kernels have about 45% oil. The termite resistant Neem timber is used as a building material, and in making furniture and farm implements. The bark yields tannin and gum. The amber hued gum is used as a dye in textiles and in traditional medicines. Medical Properties      The medical properties of Neem have been known to Indians since time immemorial. The earliest Sanskrit medical writings refer to the benefits of Neem’s fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and bark. Each has been used in the Indian Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicines, and is now being used in the manufacture of modern day medicinals, cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals.      Neem fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, bark and roots have such uses as general antiseptics, antimicrobials, treatment of urinary disorders, diarrhoea, fever and bronchitis, skin diseases, septic sores, infected burns, hypertension and inflammatory diseases. This is mainly due to the chemical constituents which enable Neem to protect itself from a multitude of pests by a substantial number of pesticidal ingredients. Its main chemical composition is a blend of 3 to 4 related compounds along with over 20 lesser ones, which are equally as active. The general class of these compounds is triterpenes and within this category, the most effective are the limonoids, which are abundant in Neem oil. At least nine limonoids are effective in inhibiting insect growth, especially some of the most deadly varieties found in human health and agriculture worldwide. Of these limonoids, azadirachitin has been found to be the main ingredient for fighting insects and pests, being up to 90% effective in most instances. It repels and disrupts the life cycle, however does not kill immediately, but is nonetheless one of the most effective growth and feeding deterrents ever examined. Meliantriol is another feeding inhibitor which prevents locusts chewing, and has therefore been in traditional use in India for crop protection. Nimbin and nimbidin, also found in Neem, have anti-viral properties and these have been effective in inhibiting fungal growth on humans and animals. Gedunin, a lesser limonoid, is effective in treating malaria through teas and infusion of the leaves. Fungicides      Neem has proved effective against certain fungi that infect the human body. Such fungi are an increasing problem and have been difficult to control by synthetic fungicides. For example, in one laboratory study, conducted by Khan and Wassilew – 1987, Neem preparations showed toxicity to cultures of 14 common fungi, including members of the following genera: •    Trichophyton – an ‘athlete’s foot’ fungus that infects hair, skin and nails; •    Epidermophyton – a ‘ringworm’ that invades both skin and nails of the feet; •    Microsporum – a ‘ringworm’ that invades hair, skin and (rarely) nails; •    Trichosporon – a fungus of the intestinal tract; •    Geotrichum – a yeast like fungus that causes infections of the bronchi, lungs and mucous membranes; •    Candida – a yeast-like fungus that is part of the normal flora but can get out of control, leading to lesions in mouth (thrush), vagina, skin, hands and lungs. Components of the Neem tree and their uses Bark      The bark is cool, bitter, astringent, acrid and refrigerant. It is useful in tiredness, cough, fever, loss of appetite, worm infestations. It heals wounds and is also used in vomiting, skin diseases and excessive thirst. Twigs have been used as a ‘toothbrush’ and for dental care, since antiquity. Neem toothpaste has been on sale in the US and Germany for some time, and is now available here. Leaves      According to Ayurveda, Neem leaves help in the treatment of Vatik disorders (neuromuscular pains). Neem leaves are also reported to remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radicals in the body by neutralising them. A paste made with leaves is used in India for the cure of chicken pox, smallpox and warts. A poultice is effective for boils, ulcers and eczema. Fruits      Neem fruits are bitter, purgative, antihemorrhodial and anthelmintic (vermifuge) in nature. Flowers      The flowers are used in vitiated conditions of pitta (balancing of the body heat) and kapha (cough formation). They are astringent, anthelmintic and non toxic. Seeds      Neem seeds are also described as anthelmintic, antileprotic (cures or prevents leprosy) and antipoisonous. Seeds, along with leaves and dry Neem cake, are an active ingredient in mosquito coils. Oil     Neem oil, derived from crushing the seeds, is antidermatonic, a powerful vermifuge and is bitter in taste. It has a wide spectrum of action and is highly medicinal in nature. As an oil used in aromatherapy, it has been effective in the treatment of head lice in children, especially where tea tree has failed to clear up the condition. This was particularly noticeable on an outbreak of head lice, two years ago, at a school local to my practice, where I treated several children. Those with blonde to reddish hair had their head lice condition cleared up much quicker with Neem oil applied at a 3% dilution to a shampoo base, than with tea tree. Specific uses of Neem Skin Conditions      Neem has an almost magical effect on chronic skin conditions that fail to respond to conventional treatments. Acne, psoriasis, eczema, and ringworm are conditions that are effectively treated by a Neem preparation. Hair and Nails      Scalp conditions like dandruff, scaling and even hair loss improve with Neem products. Yellow or brittle nails, caused by the presence of yeast or fungi, are normalised by the use of Neem. Teeth and Gums      Neem mouth rinse is very effective in the treatment of infections, tooth decay, bleeding and sore gums. A mouthwash, using Neem oil, has been used at my practice for the treatment of mouth ulcers. Fungi, Parasites and Viruses      Stringent laboratory condition tests have proved the efficacy of Neem in destroying fungi, parasites and viruses without killing off beneficial intestinal flora. It is very effective in the treatment of Athletes’ Foot, thrush, candida infestations and herpes. Diabetes      Neem has been found to reduce insulin requirements by up to 50% for diabetics, without altering blood glucose levels. Heart and Blood      A recent study showed that a Neem treatment lowered high cholesterol levels. It has also been tested, with good results, for other heart conditions. Insects      Neem is a very effective insect repellent, without being toxic to pets and humans. AIDS and Cancer      Tests are currently being carried out, with encouraging results.        During the course of the freedom movement in India, led by Mahatma Gandhi, there was an upsurge of the ‘Swadeshi’ or nationalistic sentiment. This led to a move to encourage ‘Swadeshi’ science. Neem research in India was part of this movement. Pioneering work on the possible commercial use of Neem oil and cake was done by the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore during the 1920s.      Mahatma Gandhi kept the tradition of Neem alive, and is known to have been a firm believer in the goodness of Neem. Dr Ekaid informed Gandhi that laboratory experiments revealed that Neem leaves contain more nutritious elements than any other similar vegetation that has been subjected to chemical analysis earlier. A Neem leaf chutney was a part of Gandhi’s everyday diet. A nutraceutical tea, now being manufactured, would surely have been Gandhi’s favourite beverage. Physico-composition of Fresh Neem Leaves: Neem Tea and its Uses      Tender leaves, along with black pepper, are effective in intestinal helminthiasis (parasitic infections).      An aqueous extract of tender leaves has been found to possess antiviral properties against vaccinia (viral disease in cattle), variola (smallpox), fowl pox and New Castle diseases.      Fresh mature leaves, along with the seeds of Psoralea corglifolia and Cicer arietinum are effective in leucoderma.      Studies on plasma clotting time using Russell’s viper venom have proved that the leaf extract contains a clotting inhibitor, justifying its use in the treatment of poisonous bites.      Animal-based experiments have shown that total extract of Neem leaves is a potent hepatoprotective agent.      Water extract of Neem leaves shows significant antiulcer activity and reduction in severity of gastric damage, and prevents most cell degranulation and mucus depletion.      The phosphate buffer, ether and alcoholic extracts of the leaves inhibit the activity of the micro-organism Micrococcus pyrogenes var. aureus. The essential oil possesses anti-bacterial activity. It inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonelbtyphi, Vibrio cholera Pacini and Klebsiella pneumonia (Schroter) Trevisan (organisms which cause typhoid, cholera and pneumonia.      Chewing fresh Neem leaves acts as a sedative and relaxant. The Future with Neem Poverty      Today’s exploding growth in human population is seriously depleting the world’s natural reserves and economic resources. Unless the run-away human population growth rate is slowed down, there would be little hope for raising everyone out of poverty in the developing world. Besides educational constraints, the non-availability of inexpensive methods of contraception, which do not cause trauma or aesthetic, cultural, and religious sensitivities of people, limit the success of birth regulation programmes. However, recent findings indicate that some Neem derivatives may serve as affordable and widely available contraceptives. A recent controlled study in the Indian army proved the efficacy of Neem as a contraceptive.      According to a recent report by the Washington based International Food Policy Research Institute, by 2020, the world will be an even more unfair place than it is at present, with food surpluses in the industrialised world and with chronic instability and food shortages in the south, particularly in African countries.      The US Academy of Sciences currently attaches very high importance to the Neem tree. The United Nations declared Neem as the “Tree of the 21st Century”. Bioactivity      Search for environmentally safe pesticides received an impetus in early 1960s following the publication of Silent Spring by Rachel Carson in 1962. It was around this period that Indian scientists reported the feeding deterrent property of Neem seed kernel suspension against desert locust. Subsequently, several bioactive ingredients were isolated from various parts of the tree, more notable being the isolation of meliantriol and azadirachtin. These findings aroused world-wide interest in the bioactivity of the Neem tree.      The Neem seems to be a virtual designer tree – tailor-made for combating the serious problems confronting mankind today. The information being generated on it in the modern format of science continues to confirm all the ancient claims. Its mammalian safety and environmental friendliness reports are highly encouraging. Its bioactivity spectrum against the harmful organisms is ever increasing.      Neem is now widely used in America in fields ranging from pharmaceutical, health and beauty, pet care, pesticides and insecticides, and agriculture, while health and beauty and pharmaceutical products are available in Austria and Germany.      Neem products are also available in the UK and a nutraceutical tea is the newest product to come on the market.      A key advantage to using Neem, as opposed to some medical treatments and other herbs, is its compliance with the first tenet of the Hippocratic Oath taken by all physicians: “First, cause no harm.” Over thousands of years, Neem has been used by hundreds of millions of people and no hazards have been documented for normal dosages. Only at very high levels may Neem be toxic, something each of us understands can be true of anything taken internally. References Edeinya I. Anti-malarial activity of Nigerian Neem leaves. Trans Royal Soc Tropical Medicine. 87(4): 471. 1993. Keimat G. Dental care compositions from Azadirachta indica. Ger Appli P. 20(38): 827.6. 1970 Charles V and Charles S. The use and efficacy of Azadirachta indica ADR and Curuma longa in scabies. Trop Geogr Med. 44(1-2): 178-81. 1992. Khan M and Wassilew SW. The effect of raw material from the Neem tree, Neem oil, and Neem extracts on fungi pathogenic to humans. in Schmutterer and Ascher. Natural Pesticides from the Neem Tree and other Tropical Plants. International Neem Conference. Nairobi, Kenya. pp645-650. 1987. Koul O, Isman M and Ketkar C. Properties and uses of Neem, Azadirachta indica. Can J Bot. 68: 1-11. 1989. Saxena RC. Insecticides from Neem. in Arnason et al. Insecticides of Plant Origin. ACS Symp. Sere. 387, American Chemical Society. Washington DC. pp110-135. 1989. Schmutterer H. Properties and potential of natural pesticides from the Neem tree, Azadirachta indica. Ann Rev Entomol. 35: 271-279. 1990. Vietmeyer N. Neem, A Tree for Solving Global Problems. National Academy Press. Washington DC. 1992.