Neem Leaf Side Effects
Traditionally used by many people as an alternative treatment for a variety of health ailments and skin irritations, neem leaf extract is a common supplement you can find in most local supermarkets and drug stores. However, be aware of potential side effects associated with neem leaf before starting any type of treatment involving the herb.
Infant Death
According to PeaceHealth.org, neem oil has been found to produce Reye’s syndrome symptoms in infants who are exposed to neem leaf oils. The extract is typically administered orally, and there have been reported cases of infant death after consuming even the smallest dosage (5mL) of neem supplement. While no deaths in adults have been reported, seek the council of a medical professional before consuming neem oil in any form.
Stomach Irritation
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According to PeaceHealth.org, patients have presented with various stomach ailments and disorders, ranging from diarrhea to indigestion, shortly after neem leaf consumption or use. As a result, patients with a history of stomach disease or irregularities should not use neem leaf-based supplements.
Liver and Kidney Effects
According to Health-Care-Tips.org, if you are experiencing liver or kidney problems or have a history of liver or kidney disease, you should not consume any neem leaf-based products. As the website states, neem leaf contains active ingredients that may prove to be toxic in patients suffering from diseases of these organs, regardless of dosage consumed.
Fatigue
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Another common side effect that you can experience with the consumption of neem leaf is an increase in fatigue. According to Health-Care-Tips.org, traditional Ayurvedic practitioners recommend against the use of neem leaf if the person suffers from obvious wasting or fatigue because the herb may increase the severity of these ailments or conditions.
Pregnancy Complications
As with other alternative medications available on the market, you should not consume neem leaf supplements in any form if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Health-Care-Tips.org explains that blood toxicity can occur during pregnancy shortly following consumption of neem leaf-based products.
Related Articles
References
- Health Care Tips: Neem
- Peace Health: Neem
- Jalaluddin M, Rajasekaran UB, Paul S, Dhanya RS, Sudeep CB, Adarsh VJ. Comparative Evaluation of Neem Mouthwash on Plaque and Gingivitis: A Double-blind Crossover Study. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2017;18(7):567-571. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10024-2085
- Pai MR, Acharya LD, Udupa N. Evaluation of antiplaque activity of Azadirachta indica leaf extract gel--a 6-week clinical study. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;90(1):99-103. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2003.09.035
- Almas K. The antimicrobial effects of extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Salvadora persica (Arak) chewing sticks. Indian J Dent Res. 1999;10(1):23-6. doi:10865390
- Maity P, Biswas K, Chattopadhyay I, Banerjee RK, Bandyopadhyay U. The use of neem for controlling gastric hyperacidity and ulcer. Phytother Res. 2009;23(6):747-55. doi:10.1002/ptr.2721
- Paul R, Prasad M, Sah NK. Anticancer biology of Azadirachta indica L (neem): a mini review. Cancer Biol Ther. 2011;12(6):467-76. doi:10.4161/cbt.12.6.16850
- Abiy E, Gebre-michael T, Balkew M, Medhin G. Repellent efficacy of DEET, MyggA, neem (Azedirachta indica) oil and chinaberry (Melia azedarach) oil against Anopheles arabiensis, the principal malaria vector in Ethiopia. Malar J. 2015;14:187. doi:10.1186/s12936-015-0705-4
Writer Bio
Adam Fonseca has been a writer and blogger since 2005. He maintains a number of different blogs on a variety of subjects ranging from health care to golf. Fonseca has a Master of Health Administration degree from the University of Phoenix and degrees in health science and psychology from Bradley University.