# Nimba

> Nimba (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Azadirachta indica is recognized by WHO as a traditional medicine plant widely used across developing countries (WHO reports 80% of developing world populations depend on neem-related traditional medicine).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Azadirachta indica is recognized by WHO as a traditional medicine plant widely used across developing countries (WHO reports 80% of developing world populations depend on neem-related traditional medicine). Listed in Indian Pharmacopoeia and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Nimba |
| Latin/Botanical | *Azadirachta indica A. Juss.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Azadirachtin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#azadirachtin) (limonoid - primary bioactive, 72-90% of biological activity)
- [Nimbidin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbidin) (bitter compound with anti-inflammatory activity)
- [Nimbolide](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbolide) (cytotoxic tetranortriterpenoid)
- [Nimbin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbin) (triterpenoid)
- [Gedunin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#gedunin) (limonoid)
- [Salannin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#salannin) (tetranortriterpenoid)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) (flavonoid [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/))
- [Nimbidol](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbidol) ([antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) compound)

## How does it work?

- Nimbolide antimicrobial cell wall disruption: Nimbolide inhibits microbial cell wall synthesis and shows greatest zone of inhibition against S. epidermidis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae - directly targeting acne and skin infection pathogens
- Azadirachtin [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) activity: Modulates immune cell function including T-cell and macrophage activity, relevant to immune-mediated skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
- Limonoid anti-inflammatory cascade: Nimbidin and gedunin suppress prostaglandin synthesis and inhibit complement activation, reducing skin inflammation in eczema and dermatitis
- Antifungal membrane disruption: [Neem](/herb/neem/) compounds disrupt fungal cell membrane integrity, effective against dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum) and Malassezia species causing dandruff and tinea

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Acne treatment (Yauvanpidika): Validated by clinical trial showing 79% of participants had reduced inflammatory acne with [neem](/herb/neem/) face wash
- Antifungal skin infections (Dadru/Kushtha): Validated by demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal activity against dermatophytes and Malassezia
- Dandruff/scalp conditions: 2025 clinical study confirmed efficacy of [neem](/herb/neem/) leaf paste for dandruff reduction
- Wound healing and antiseptic use (Vrana): Supported by antimicrobial activity against major wound-infecting pathogens

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Gopinath H, Karthikeyan K 2021. [Neem in Dermatology: Shedding Light on the Traditional Panacea](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35283494/). *Indian journal of dermatology*. PMID [35283494](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35283494/) · [doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_562_21](https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_562_21)  
  Comprehensive dermatology review confirmed [neem](/herb/neem/)'s efficacy in treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, warts, and fungal infections through anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant mechanisms, while noting the need for more rigorous clinical trials.
- Dani PB, Ghorpade VK 2025. [Effect of Neem Leaf Paste Application on Dandruff](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40242687/). *Cureus*. PMID [40242687](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40242687/) · [doi:10.7759/cureus.80685](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.80685)  
  Clinical study demonstrated neem leaf paste application significantly reduced dandruff symptoms, validating traditional antifungal use for scalp conditions caused by Malassezia species.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Topical neem preparations are generally well-tolerated; however, neem oil can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Internal consumption of neem oil has raised toxicity concerns especially in children - oral neem oil should be used with caution
- Long-term safety data for cosmetic-grade neem preparations is limited; comprehensive safety testing needed. Neem oil should not be applied undiluted to skin. Pregnancy contraindicated for oral neem use due to potential abortifacient effects

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Tablet, Capsule, Churna, Kwatha, Arishtam (Nimbarishta), Oil (external), Cream, Tincture, Swarasa (fresh juice)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g bark powder daily; 400-600 mg standardized bark extract twice daily; 10-20 mL Nimbarishta after meals; 10-15 mL fresh juice

**Bioavailability:** Nimbidin from bark demonstrates oral bioavailability of ~30-38%. Limonoid [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids) are lipophilic (log P >3) and benefit significantly from lipid-based formulations. Bark [tannins](/reference/tannins/) can complex with [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) reducing absorption of co-administered compounds. Nimbolide shows rapid absorption (Tmax 1-2 hours) but extensive hepatic metabolism.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for digestive and [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) benefits. Arishtam taken post-meal (15-20 mL with equal water).

**Standardized Extract:** Nimba bark extract (8:1) standardized to minimum 3% total bitters (as nimbidin). Nimbarishta: self-generated alcohol 5-10%, total solids 15-25% w/v, pH 3.5-4.5.

**Shelf Life:** Bark powder: 18-24 months; Standardized extract: 24-36 months; Arishtam: 5-10 years (improves with age); Tablets: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Dry powders and extracts: below 25 deg C, RH <60%, protected from light. Arishtam: amber glass bottles, room temperature, no refrigeration needed. Do not store in reactive metal containers.

**Marker Compounds:** Nimbidin, Nimbolide, Nimbin, Nimbinin, Gallic acid, [Catechin](/reference/catechin/), Margolone, Margolonone

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction for Kwatha
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-70% ethanol) for standardized extracts
- Sequential solvent extraction (hexane followed by ethanol) for fractionation
- Fermentation-based extraction for Arishtam preparation
- Supercritical CO2 for nimbolide-enriched fractions

### Synergistic Combinations

- Kutaja (synergistic anti-diarrheal and anti-dysenteric)
- [Patola](/herb/patola/) (blood purification in Tikta Rasa formulations)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (hepatoprotective combination)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory and skin health)
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) (comprehensive detoxification)

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- 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.