Neem
Research reviewed: 2022-2025
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a dietary supplement with 15 published peer-reviewed studies involving 135 participants, researched for Antimicrobial & Oral Health, Anti-inflammatory & Metabolic, Immune Support and 2 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Antimicrobial & Oral Health
ModerateAnti-inflammatory & Metabolic
ModerateImmune Support
ModeratePain Relief
ModerateAnti-Inflammatory
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Antimicrobial & Oral Health
Neem twigs vs toothbrush for dental plaque and gingival health
Study Type
Clinical trial
Purpose
Neem twigs vs toothbrush for dental plaque and gingival health
Dose
Neem twig chewing (natural preparation)
Participants
75 dental patients
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Comparable reductions in plaque and gingival inflammation to conventional toothbrushing. Both approaches significantly improved oral hygiene markers from baseline.
How They Measured It
Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing
Neem mouthwash for oral health vs chlorhexidine
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Neem mouthwash for oral health vs chlorhexidine
Dose
Neem extract mouthwash 10mL twice daily
Participants
45 gingivitis adults
Duration
3 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis scores comparable to chlorhexidine. Neem group had fewer adverse effects (staining, altered taste). Natural alternative confirmed.
How They Measured It
Plaque index, gingival index, bacterial colony counts
Antimicrobial potential of Neem against various pathogens
Study Type
Antimicrobial potential review
Purpose
Antimicrobial potential of Neem against various pathogens
Dose
Various Neem preparations (leaves, bark, seed oil)
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria (including MRSA), fungi (Candida), and viruses. Azadirachtin, nimbin, and nimbidin are primary antimicrobial compounds.
How They Measured It
Review of in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial studies
Anti-inflammatory & Metabolic
Neem bark extract on gastric secretion and gastroduodenal ulcer
Study Type
Clinical study
Purpose
Neem bark extract on gastric secretion and gastroduodenal ulcer
Dose
30-60mg neem bark extract daily
Participants
40 gastroduodenal ulcer patients
Duration
10 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced gastric acid secretion and facilitated ulcer healing. Anti-ulcer effects via COX-2 inhibition and cytoprotective mechanisms.
How They Measured It
Gastric acid output, ulcer healing score, endoscopy
Antidiabetic potential of Neem leaf extract in type 2 diabetics as add-on
Study Type
Antidiabetic clinical study
Purpose
Antidiabetic potential of Neem leaf extract in type 2 diabetics as add-on
Dose
500mg leaf extract twice daily
Participants
50 type 2 diabetic patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Reduced HbA1c and fasting glucose as add-on therapy. Insulin sensitising mechanism via AMP-kinase activation proposed. Well tolerated.
How They Measured It
FBS, HbA1c, insulin sensitivity markers
Anti-inflammatory activity of Azadirachta indica extract
Study Type
Anti-inflammatory study
Purpose
Anti-inflammatory activity of Azadirachta indica extract
Dose
200-400mg/kg extract
Participants
Animal inflammation models
Duration
Acute and chronic
Results
Significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity via COX and LOX inhibition with antioxidant synergy.
How They Measured It
Carrageenan paw oedema, chronic adjuvant arthritis, prostaglandin inhibition
Neem seed oil for skin conditions including eczema and acne
Study Type
Skin health study
Purpose
Neem seed oil for skin conditions including eczema and acne
Dose
Topical Neem seed oil (2%)
Participants
36 eczema/acne patients
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced eczema scores, sebum production, and acne-associated bacteria. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial dual action confirmed.
How They Measured It
EASI score, sebum production, microbial assessment
Therapeutic roles of Neem in disease prevention and treatment
Study Type
Comprehensive pharmacological review
Purpose
Therapeutic roles of Neem in disease prevention and treatment
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic activities. Nimbolide, azadirachtin, gedunin, and nimbin primary bioactives.
How They Measured It
Literature review
Neem extract gel for oral candidiasis treatment
Study Type
Antifungal clinical study
Purpose
Neem extract gel for oral candidiasis treatment
Dose
Neem extract gel applied topically
Participants
60 oral candidiasis patients
Duration
3 weeks
Results
Cure rates comparable to clotrimazole. Candida colony counts significantly reduced. Good tolerability profile.
How They Measured It
Fungal colony counts, symptom scores, clinical cure rates
Potential of Neem as natural active in skin and cosmetic products
Study Type
Dermocosmetic review
Purpose
Potential of Neem as natural active in skin and cosmetic products
Dose
Various topical formulations
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Azadirachtin, nimbidin, quercetin and polyphenols demonstrate melanogenesis-inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-aging effects on skin.
How They Measured It
Review of clinical and in vitro studies on skin applications
Immune Support
Efficacy of Herbal Fluoride Toothpaste in Preventing Early Childhood Caries.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Efficacy of Herbal Fluoride Toothpaste in Preventing Early Childhood Caries.
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
6 months
Results
CONCLUSION: Herbal fluoride toothpaste demonstrated greater efficacy in preventing ECC than conventional fluoride toothpaste, suggesting its potential as a safe and effective alternative in pediatri.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41522918. J Pharm Bioallied Sci
Comparative evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of sequential herbal irrigation with conventional irrigation in endodontic therapy of primary teeth:
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Comparative evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of sequential herbal irrigation with conventional irrigation in endodontic therapy of primary teeth:
Dose
See study
Participants
15 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSIONS: The sequential herbal irrigation protocol showed comparable antimicrobial efficacy to conventional agents, with added benefits of safety, biocompatibility, and reduced cytotoxicity, mak.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 41026567. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent
Clinical and microbiological evaluation of dental plaque on topical application of olive oil, olive oil with 35% Curcuma zedoaria, and olive oil with
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Clinical and microbiological evaluation of dental plaque on topical application of olive oil, olive oil with 35% Curcuma zedoaria, and olive oil with
Dose
See study
Participants
21 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSION: EVOO + 35% CZ showed the best treatment outcome in the reduction of microbial count followed by EVOO + 30% AI and EVOO.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40586465. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent
Pain Relief
Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Various Herbal Products Used with Zinc Oxide as an Obturating Material in Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Study.
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Purpose
Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Various Herbal Products Used with Zinc Oxide as an Obturating Material in Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Study.
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
9 months
Results
CONCLUSION: Zinc oxide eugenol has proven to be the best obturating material.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 38152944. J Contemp Dent Pract
Anti-Inflammatory
Hypericum and neem oil for dehisced post-surgical wounds: a randomised, controlled, single-blinded phase III study.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Hypericum and neem oil for dehisced post-surgical wounds: a randomised, controlled, single-blinded phase III study.
Dose
See study
Participants
99 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSION: This randomised controlled trial confirmed the efficacy of 1PWD, an investigational product, in the management of surgical dehiscence with critical colonisation or infection, with the ad.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 35678785. J Wound Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Neem research
There are currently 15 peer-reviewed studies on Neem (Azadirachta indica), involving 135 total participants. Research covers Antimicrobial & antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Dental & oral health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (11 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Neem has been researched for: Antimicrobial & antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Dental & oral health, Skin health & antifungal. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 11 out of 15 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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