Indian lilac
Azadirachta indica
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is a traditional tree native to India but widely cultivated in tropical regions. Traditionally, it has not been extensively documented for specific medicinal uses; however, its leaves and extracts are often used due to their accessibility, affordability, and family traditions. Scientific evidence suggests potential benefits such as antidiabetic and anticancer activities, with vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles synthesized from neem leaf extract showing promising results in vitro. Additionally, five phytocompounds from Azadirachta indica leaf extract have shown potential against multi-drug resistant bacteria through computational and in vitro assessments. The plant has demonstrated effectiveness against fall armyworm in African maize systems, though further standardization and validation are needed for broader recommendations. No major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions have been identified thus far.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that both rural and urban residents in Nsukka relied on herbal remedies like neem due to accessibility, affordability, and family traditions, despite the availability of conventional drugs.
- This study demonstrates that vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles synthesized using neem leaf extract show potential antidiabetic and anticancer activity in vitro.
- Five phytocompounds from Azadirachta indica leaf extract showed potential against multi-drug resistant Citrobacter koseri and Staphylococcus saprophyticus through computational and in vitro assessments.
- The review suggests Azadirachta indica has the strongest balance of evidence for use against fall armyworm in African maize systems, though more standardization and field validation are needed.
- Computational analysis suggests quercetin derivatives from Azadirachta indica leaf may be potential TTK inhibitors for lung and pancreatic cancer treatment.
- Nimba induced broader transcriptional reprogramming than Triphala in DENV-infected macrophages, enhancing interferon-stimulated gene programs and attenuating inflammatory signaling.
Frequently asked questions
What is Indian lilac?
Indian lilac (Azadirachta indica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Indian lilac?
6 sourced findings are recorded for Indian lilac; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that both rural and urban residents in Nsukka relied on herbal remedies like neem due to accessibility, affordability, and family traditions, despite the availability of conventional drugs.
How strong is the evidence for Indian lilac?
The strongest finding for Indian lilac carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Indian lilac safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Indian lilac in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Indian lilac interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Indian lilac in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Indian lilac?
Indian lilac is also known as: Ним (дерево), Margousier.
Is Indian lilac a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Phytochemical engineering of vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles via neem extract: a sustainable platform for dual in vitro antidiabetic and anticancer activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Family traditions, accessibility and cost shape the continued reliance on Cajanus cajan and Azadirachta indica for malaria and typhoid despite prescription medicines in urban and rural Nsukka, Nigeria. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Transcriptome signature for host directed antiviral reprogramming by Nimba & Triphala in macrophage Dengue virus infection models. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Computational exploration of quercetin derivatives from Azadirachta indica leaf as threonine tyrosine kinase inhibitors for potential lung and pancreatic cancer treatment. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Integrated in silico and in vitro assessment of Azadirachta indica leaf extract against multi-drug resistant Citrobacter koseri and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Botanical Pesticides Against Fall Armyworm in African Maize Systems: A Structured Narrative Review and SWOT Synthesis. literature abstract metadata