Did You Know?
That 2.5 billion people live in areas in the world where dengue is transmitted
In the Philippines, during the first half of 2008, almost 20,000 people have had dengue fever according to the Department of Health (DOH)
.
Aedes aegypti mosquito
that carries the dengue
virus
Source: World Health
Organization
But the good news is…
Though the number of dengue cases in the country seems alarming, the DOH noted that this figure was 10.8% lower compared to dengue cases indicated during the same period in 2007. This implies that we have become more cautious nowadays in preventing the spread of the virus.
Many years ago, before antibiotics and antiviral medicines have been available in the market, Filipinos have always relied on the effectiveness of herbal medicines in curing various illnesses. While the Philippines regard the coconut tree as the “tree of life”, India couldn’t be more blessed to have the Neem Tree.
 Neem, scientifically referred to as Azadirachtin Indica A. Juss, is a tree native to India. Long before medicinal capsules, tablets and syrup have been invented, the neem tree has provided the “medical” needs of the Indian people. We could benefit from each part of this amazing tree, from its fruit to its roots.
Treatment of Diseases
Since time immemorial, neem oil and extracts from its different parts have been widely used for medical purposes. Neem has been known to be effective in the control of and treatment of various diseases among which are leprosy, rheumatism and ulcer. Aside from these, certain skin infections such as itching and skin ulcer have been found to be cured by neem oil. Extracts from the neem leaf, the neem oil and seed kernels have been effective treatment for dermatological diseases brought about by bacteria and fungi (Biswas, et. al., 2002:1339-1340).
In a review article by Biswas et. al. (2002), clinical studies show that dried neem leaf extract are found to be an effective cure against “ringworm, eczema and scabies”.
For instance, lotion made from these leaf extracts treats these diseases in a few days no matter how serious and recurring they are. Biswas et. al. further cites:
“A paste prepared with neem and turmeric was found to be effective in the treatment of scabies in nearly 814 people. In 97% of cases, the paste was found to cure scabies within 3-15 days of treatment without any adverse effect (1340-41).”
Here’s a summary of some medical uses of neem, among others (Cornborough):
- General antiseptics
- Antimicrobial
- Treatment of urinary disorders, diarrhea, fever and bronchitis
- Skin diseases, septic sores, infected burns
- Hypertension and inflammatory diseases
The leaves of the neem tree are effective in reducing neuromuscular pains. The neem oil produced by crushing its seeds is found to be helpful in getting rid of head lice and dandruff. It may also prevent scaling and hair loss.
Neem as an effective insecticide and pest control
For years, a lot of commercially produced insecticides and pesticides have been available in the market. Insects, especially mosquitoes that carry viruses of dengue and malaria, have become a threat ever since because of increasing number of patients infected with mosquito-carrying diseases each year. Neem is also described as an effective insect repellent. In fact, it has also been used as insecticides to fight off insects that carry deadly diseases like dengue and malaria.
In the book Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems (1992, 39-40), several effects of neem extracts on insects are enumerated. This list includes disrupting the laying of eggs, poisoning both larvae and adult insects and preventing insects from mating. Studies have also been made wherein the breeding grounds of insects are the primary target.
In a research published by Malaria Journal, a study was done in an African Village where seeds of neem tree pulverized into powder were sprinkled over known breeding grounds of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Results show that there has been a 49% reduction in female mosquitoes (Gianotti, et al., 2008). This means, there is a reduced possibility for these malaria-carrying mosquitoes to proliferate.
Also, aside from the threat these insects brings to us humans, we are also greatly affected by pests that infest our plants and crops. In the Philippines alone, trials which aimed at lowering the incidence of pests and viruses on plants have been successful.
In these trials, neem oil has been a primary ingredient used to control the viruses in plants. Neem oil has been mixed with custard-apple oil in one trial that resulted in the non-transmission of tungro virus (rice pest).
Whether an insecticide or insect repellent that could lead to reduced risk of being infected with dengue or malaria, or a treatment for our skin irritations caused by insect bites and fungal bacteria, neem is an efficient, safer and more environment-friendly means to secure our health.
References:
Biswas, Kausik, Chattopadhyay, Ishita, Banerjee, Ranajit K. and Bandyopadhyay, Uday. (2002). Biological activities and medicinal properties of neem (Azadirachta indica), in Current Science, Vol. 82, No. 11, 10 June 2002. Retrieved December 10, 2008, from http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/jun102002/1336.pdf
Cornborough, J. Neem: an ancient cure for a modern world.
Gianotti, R.L., Bomblies, A, Dafalla, M., Issa-Arzika, I., Duchemin, J. and AB Eltahir, E. (2008). Efficacy of local neem extracts for sustainable malaria vector control in an African village, in Malaria Journal, July 23, 2008. Retrieved November 26, 2008, from http://www.malariajournal.com/content/pdf/1475-2875-7-138.pdf
Report of an Ad Hoc Panel of the Board of Science and Technology for International Development, National Research Council. (1992). Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. Retrieved December 13, 2008, from http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=1924&page=R1
GMANews.TV. (2008). WHO: Global warming to lead to hike in dengue, malaria cases in RP in Nation, September 23, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2008, from http://www.gmanews.tv/story/122275/WHO-Global-warming-to-lead-to-hike-in-dengue-malaria-cases-in-RP
World Health Organization. (1998). Medicinal plants in the South Pacific: information on 102 commonly used medicinal plants in the South Pacific, WHO Regional Publications Western Pacific Series No. 19, p.21. Retrieved December 10, 2008, from http://whqlibdoc.who.int/wpro/1994-99/9290611189.pdf |
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