| |
What is Neem and how does it work? |  |
Plants are made up of thousands of chemicals, and Neem is no different in this respect. However, scientists are particularly interested in one family of chemicals particular to Neem, and responsible for its' amazing properties.
These are the 'tetranortriperpenoids' or more specifically 'liminoids' - similar to steroids.
About 40 of these chemicals act together, producing a 'synergistic' or 'enhanced' affect.
The most active and well studied of these is 'Azadirachtin'.
As scientists continue to fully unravel the mystery of Neem, they have discovered that although Neem terpenoids are present in almost all parts of the plant, the site, synthesis and accumulation of these chemicals occurs in the 'secretory cells'. These cells are most abundant in the seed kernels.
The following are the most abundant and well studied chemicals in the Neem Tree, along with their recognised effects:
Nimbin - anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, antihistamine, anti-fungal
Nimbidin - antibacterial, anti-ulcer, analgesic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-fungal
Nimbidol - antitubercular, anti-protozoan, anti-pyretic
Gedunin - vasodilator, anti-malarial, anti-fungal
Sodium Nimbinate - diuretic, spermicide, anti-arthritic
Quercetin - anti-protozoal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antbacterial
Salannin - repellent
Azadirachtin - repellant, anti-feedant, anti-hormonal
When ingested by insects, hormonal disruptions occur - which depress feeding, breeding and metamorphosing. Unlike chemical alternatives, this does not lead to the development of resistance in future generations. Neem is a naturally 'Soft Pesticide' - biodegradable within a very short period of time (<100 hours in sunlight or water). LD50 studies on rats show it to be practically non-toxic. Additionally, it is only insects which feed on the treated plant tissues which succumb to the effects of Neem. It is relatively harmless to spiders, butterflies, bees, ladybirds and earthworms.
Conventional treatments for head-lice and scabies seem to be having diminishing effectiveness, despite the fact that the chemicals themselves, such as organo-phosphates and pyrethroids are still cause for concern as regards their toxicity and/or possible effects on the central nervous system. Neem offers an exciting alternative: eco-friendly, child-friendly, yet with a multi-factorial approach to clearing infestation (as above). The hormonal disruption also prevents the unhatched eggs from developing and hatching, breaking the dreaded seven-day cycle.
Neem is also an ideal natural insect repellent for adults and children, both in the UK and foreign holiday destinations. Studies have shown that biting insects may still land on the skin, but are reluctant to feed due to the disruptive messages emanating from the Neem repellent.
Benefits to human health are achieved with topical and oral administration.
'Skin' is our largest organ. A vast plethora of skin-related disorders seem responsive to treatment. Neem oil is rich in long chain fatty acids, the most likely constituents for producing such an effect. However, in addition to the active ingredients listed above, analysis reveals many other vital nutrients: fibre, carbohydrates, calcium, at least ten essential amino acids and also carotenoids - the antioxidants currently promoting speculation for their ability to mop up 'free radicals' in the body, thereby averting development of cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. Public interest in non-steroidal treatments for long term problems such as eczema have been welcomed, due to side effects such as thinning of the skin. The anti-inflammatory action of Nimbin and Nimbidin have been demonstrated to be equally if not more effective than standard over-the counter treatments, but without side-effects.
Research has shown that Neem will boost the immune system, and also stimulate the production of T-cells when challenged with infection. (Upadhyay et al,1990).
Metabolically, the combination of chemicals in Neem also serves to dampen or modify imbalances causing diabetes, heart arrhythmia, digestive ailments and nervous disorders.
|
|
|
