Botanical Overview
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem or Margosa, belongs to the family Meliaceae. Native to the Indian subcontinent and widely naturalized across Southeast Asia and Tropical Africa, this tree is valued for its multiple medicinal parts including bark, leaves, seeds, flowers, fruit, and oil.
Energetics
Neem is considered cooling and drying in nature, with a bitter and astringent taste. Its action is generally descending and relaxing, with a focus on regulating qi.
Primary Actions
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antiinflammatory
- Antimalarial
- Antiviral
- Immunomodulatory
- Insecticidal
- Laxative
- Purgative
- Wound healing
Indications
Western
- Fever
- Skin infections
- Inflammatory conditions
- Parasite infestation
- Digestive disturbances
- Oral ulcers
Syndromes
- Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
- Chronic inflammatory states
- Minor wounds and burns
- Parasitic diseases
TCM
- Heat signs
- Skin eruptions
- Toxicity
Syndromes
- Damp-heat in skin
- Toxic heat
Ayurveda
- Skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis)
- Fever
- Worm infestations
- Constipation
- Mouth ulcers
Syndromes
- Pitta disorders
- Kapha disorders
- Rakta dushti (blood impurities)
- Krimi (parasitosis)
Unani
- Skin diseases
- Fever
- Constipation
Syndromes
- Safra imbalance (bile)
- Balgham imbalance (phlegm)
Constituents & Mechanisms
Active phytochemicals include azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbolide, quercetin, salannin, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, which contribute to neem’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and insecticidal properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Leaf infusion 2-3 g daily
- Seed oil topical application
- Bark decoction 3-6 g daily
- Standardized extract 160-200 mg 2x daily
Safety & Contraindications
Neem is generally safe in traditional doses; however, toxicity has been reported at high doses or prolonged use, especially in children. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Topical use may cause irritation in sensitive skin. Caution is advised when used concurrently with hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, or immunosuppressive drugs.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable traditional sources were found to attribute planetary or elemental rulers to Azadirachta indica.
Selected References
- Neem: The Divine Tree, P.K. Warrier, Medpharm Scientific Publishers, 1996
- WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants, Volume 2, World Health Organization, 2002
- A review on chemical constituents and pharmacological activity of Azadirachta indica, Biswas K et al., Phytotherapy Research, 2002
- Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem), Singh A & Singh N, Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2011