# Neem

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/neem/

> Neem (Azadirachta indica) is classified in Ayurveda as Kushthagna (Anti-dermatosis), Krimighna (Anthelmintic), from the Meliaceae family. Parts used: leaf, bark, seed, oil. Called 'Sarva Roga Nivarini' (curer of all ailments). Recognized in WHO's monographs on selected medicinal plants.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Azadirachta indica
- **Family:** Meliaceae
- **Ayurvedic category:** Kushthagna (Anti-dermatosis), Krimighna (Anthelmintic)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Recognized in WHO's monographs on selected medicinal plants. Neem-derived pesticide (azadirachtin) evaluated by WHO/FAO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues. Listed in Indian Pharmacopoeia and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

## Names in the Indian languages

Every name form this project holds for this drug, with the script form first and the
transliteration after it. Sources per name are on the canonical page.

| Language | Names |
| --- | --- |
| Sanskrit | निम्बः (nimbaḥ), अरिष्टः (ariṣṭaḥ), पारिभद्रः (pāribhadraḥ), पिचुमन्दः (picumandaḥ) |
| Hindi | नीम (nīma) |
| Tamil | வேம்பு, நிம்பம் |

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Neem |
| Common Names | Neem, Indian Lilac, Margosa |
| Hindi | Neem, [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) |
| Sanskrit | [Nimba](/herb/nimba/), Arishta |
| Latin/Botanical | *Azadirachta indica* |

## Parts Used

- Leaf
- Bark
- Seed
- Oil
- Flower
- Root

## Dosha Effects

| Dosha | Effect |
|-------|--------|
| **Pitta** | Decreases |
| **Kapha** | Decreases |
| **Vata** | May Increase |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Azadirachtin
- [Nimbin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbin)
- [Nimbidin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbidin)
- [Nimbidol](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbidol)
- [Gedunin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#gedunin)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)

## Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Anti-parasitic
- Blood purifier
- Anti-diabetic
- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/)
- Insecticidal

## How does it work?

- Azadirachtin blocks TNF-induced NF-kB activation by binding to TNFR1 at the TNF binding site, preventing TNF binding and downstream signaling
- Inhibits IkBalpha phosphorylation and degradation, blocking RelA (p65) nuclear translocation
- Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, TLR4, and NF-kB in dose-dependent manner
- [Nimbolide](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbolide) and azadirachtin show concentration-dependent free radical scavenging and reductive potential
- Prevents procarcinogen activation and oxidative DNA damage; upregulates [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) and carcinogen detoxification [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes)
- Synergistic activity with existing antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacterial species
- Gedunin acts as HSP90 inhibitor, disrupting protein folding in cancer cells

## How is it used traditionally?

Called 'Sarva Roga Nivarini' (curer of all ailments). Extensively used in Kushtha (skin diseases), Prameha (diabetes), and Krimi (parasitic infections). Twigs used as toothbrush (Datun).

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

- Charaka Samhita
- Sushruta Samhita
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

## What do recent studies show?

- Tufail T, Bader Ul Ain H, Ijaz A and others 2025. [Neem (Azadirachta indica): A Miracle Herb; Panacea for All Ailments](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40901661/). *Food science & nutrition*. PMID [40901661](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40901661/) · [doi:10.1002/fsn3.70820](https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70820)  
  Comprehensive review covering neem's applications across pharmaceuticals, agriculture, cosmetics, and fuel production, with focus on broad-spectrum [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/), [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), and anti-diabetic properties.
- Anuradha DS, Jaganathan B 2025. [Predictive modelling and ranking: Azadirachta indica compounds through indices and multi-criteria decision-making techniques](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40365176/). *Frontiers in chemistry*. PMID [40365176](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40365176/) · [doi:10.3389/fchem.2025.1580267](https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2025.1580267)  
  Computational study using molecular descriptor indices to rank neem bioactive compounds for drug discovery prioritization, identifying azadirachtin, nimbin, and gedunin as top candidates.
- Wylie MR, Merrell DS 2022. [The Antimicrobial Potential of the Neem Tree Azadirachta indica](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35712721/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [35712721](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35712721/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.891535](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.891535)  
  Comprehensive review of antimicrobial activities across dentistry, food safety, bacteriology, mycology, virology, and parasitology. Nimbins demonstrated activity against four dengue virus strains.

*Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Non-aqueous extracts are most toxic neem products (ESD: 0.002-12.5 mcg/kg bw/day); aqueous extracts safer (ESD: 0.3 mg/kg bw/day)
- Prolonged use may cause renal dysfunction, decreased arterial blood pressure, and hypoglycemic responses
- Reversible anti-fertility effects on both male and female mammals documented upon sub-acute or chronic exposure
- Drug interaction (MODERATE): potentiates hypoglycemic agents - may cause dangerously low blood sugar
- Drug interaction (MODERATE): may alter lithium levels requiring dose adjustment
- Drug interaction (MODERATE): may interfere with immunosuppressant medications - contraindicated for organ transplant recipients
- Insufficient long-term safety data in humans - need for more funded toxicology research emphasized in 2025 bibliometric analysis
- Neem oil ingestion in children has been associated with serious adverse events including toxic encephalopathy

## Recommended Dosage

Leaf juice: 10-20ml/day; Neem oil: external use only

## Safety, contraindications and cautions

- Pregnancy (abortifacient)
- Trying to conceive (anti-fertility)
- Infants/children (internal use)
- Organ transplant patients (immunostimulant)

## What is it made of?

**Part(s) Analyzed:** Leaf/Bark/Seed

### Terpenoids

- Azadirachtin (0.2-0.6%)
- Nimbin (0.1-0.3%)
- Nimbidin
- Nimbinin
- Nimbolide (0.05-0.2%)
- Salannin
- Gedunin
- Mahmoodin

### Flavonoids

- Quercetin (0.1-0.3%)
- Kaempferol
- Myricetin
- Rutin

### Alkaloids

- Nimbimine
- Nimbidine
- Nimbinine

### Phenolics

- Gallic acid (0.5-1.0%)
- Catechol
- Protocatechuic acid

### Tannins

- Condensed tannins (2-5%)
- Gallic acid tannins

### Steroids_Saponins

- Beta-sitosterol (0.1%)
- Stigmasterol
- Campesterol

### Glycosides

- Nimbosterol
- Nimbioside

### Fatty_acids

- Oleic acid (40-50%)
- Stearic acid (15-20%)
- Palmitic acid (15-18%)

### Coumarins

- Scopoletin (trace)
- Margosine

### Essential Oil Composition

- **Azadirachtin:** 0.2-0.6%
- **Nimbin:** 0.1-0.3%
- **Limonoids:** major fraction

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Tablet, Capsule, Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Oil (external), Cream/ointment, Arishtam, Soft gel capsule, Tincture

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g dried leaf powder per day; 400-800 mg standardized extract per day; 10-20 mL leaf decoction twice daily; topical oil as needed

**Optimal Timing:** Oral supplements best taken after meals to reduce GI irritation. Topical applications as needed, preferably evening application for dermatological conditions.

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from light and moisture. Neem oil requires amber glass or HDPE containers, storage below 30 deg C. Azadirachtin-rich extracts require refrigerated storage (2-8 deg C) for long-term stability.

**Marker Compounds:** Azadirachtin, Nimbidin, Nimbin, Nimbolide, Gedunin, Gallic acid, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Salannin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#salannin), Epinimbin

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/)/[Turmeric](/herb/turmeric/) (enhanced anti-inflammatory and wound healing)
- [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) (synergistic antimicrobial action)
- [Karanja](/herb/karanja/) (potentiated insecticidal and dermatological effects)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (hepatoprotection with immune modulation)
- [Manjistha](/herb/manjistha/) (blood purification and skin health)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/neem/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- AgeAyurveda Product Catalog
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Ashtanga Hridaya)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.