Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Nimba

Azadirachta indica A. Juss.

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 nameAzadirachta indica A. Juss.
FamilyMeliaceae · other entries in this family
OrderSapindales
Pharmacopoeia statusAzadirachta 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.
Taxon identifiersGBIF 3190474 · Wikidata Q170461 · NCBI Taxonomy 124943

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishNimba
Latin/BotanicalAzadirachta indica A. Juss.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

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 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 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 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 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?

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 are lipophilic (log P >3) and benefit significantly from lipid-based formulations. Bark tannins can complex with 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 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, 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 (blood purification in Tikta Rasa formulations)
  • Guduchi (hepatoprotective combination)
  • Haridra (anti-inflammatory and skin health)
  • Triphala (comprehensive detoxification)

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses2

  1. Tajbakhsh E, Kwenti TE, Kheyri P and others. 2021. Antiplasmodial, antimalarial activities and toxicity of African medicinal plants: a systematic review of literatureMalaria journal. PMID 34433465 · doi:10.1186/s12936-021-03866-0
  2. Zuccotti E, Oliveri M, Girometta C and others. 2018. Nutritional strategies for psoriasis: current scientific evidence in clinical trialsEuropean review for medical and pharmacological sciences. PMID 30556896 · doi:10.26355/eurrev_201812_16554

Other clinical studies and reviews10

  1. Shaheen S, Khalid S, Aaliya K and others. 2024. Insights into Nimbolide molecular crosstalk and its anticancer propertiesMedical oncology (Northwood, London, England). PMID 38761317 · doi:10.1007/s12032-024-02379-5
  2. Mehnaz S, Shamsi Y, Akhtar MW and others. 2024. Therapeutic Applications of Neem (Azadirachta indica): A Narrative ReviewAdvances in mind-body medicine. PMID 39447127
  3. Patel N, Knabel M, Speiser J. 2024. Botanical Briefs: Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica)Cutis. PMID 38478934 · doi:10.12788/cutis.0928
  4. Maafoh C, Onyedibe K. 2024. Alternative first-line malaria treatmentAnnals of African medicine. PMID 38358164 · doi:10.4103/aam.aam_35_23
  5. Braga TM, Rocha L, Chung TY and others. 2021. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. In Vivo Toxicity-An Updated ReviewMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 33419112 · doi:10.3390/molecules26020252
  6. Patil SM, Shirahatti PS, V B CK and others. 2021. Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) as a contraceptive: An evidence-based review on its pharmacological efficiencyPhytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. PMID 34092456 · doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153596
  7. Sandhir R, Khurana M, Singhal NK. 2021. Potential benefits of phytochemicals from Azadirachta indica against neurological disordersNeurochemistry international. PMID 33753160 · doi:10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105023
  8. Gupta SC, Prasad S, Tyagi AK and others. 2017. Neem (Azadirachta indica): An indian traditional panacea with modern molecular basisPhytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. PMID 28899496 · doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2017.07.001
  9. Patel SM, Nagulapalli Venkata KC, Bhattacharyya P and others. 2016. Potential of neem (Azadirachta indica L.) for prevention and treatment of oncologic diseasesSeminars in cancer biology. PMID 27019417 · doi:10.1016/j.semcancer.2016.03.002
  10. Paul R, Prasad M, Sah NK. 2011. Anticancer biology of Azadirachta indica L (neem): a mini reviewCancer biology & therapy. PMID 21743298 · doi:10.4161/cbt.12.6.16850

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