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Neem at a Glance
Azadirachta indica is a tree in the Meliaceae family native to the Indian subcontinent and widely cultivated in tropical regions. Leaves, bark, twigs and seed oil have distinct traditional uses.
Traditional Use
Neem has deep roots in South Asian household and Ayurvedic traditions, including external skin care, oral hygiene using twigs, agricultural uses and ritual practices. Different plant parts should not be treated as interchangeable.
Research
Laboratory studies have explored antimicrobial, insecticidal and inflammatory effects of neem compounds. Human clinical evidence for many popular internal-use claims is limited.
Seed Oil and Toxicity
Neem oil is not a casual oral remedy. Serious poisoning, including neurologic and metabolic effects, has been reported after ingestion, particularly in children. Concentrated seed products deserve substantially more caution than traditional external use.
Safety
Internal medicinal use during pregnancy should be avoided because of reproductive-toxicity concerns and inadequate human safety data. Infants and young children should not be given neem oil internally. Topical neem can irritate skin or trigger allergy. People taking glucose-lowering medicines should be cautious with concentrated internal products.
Folklore and Culture
Neem is associated with purification, protection and household well-being in several South Asian traditions.
Bottom Line
Neem is an important traditional tree, but external and internal uses have very different safety profiles. Seed oil ingestion can be dangerous. For educational purposes only.