Neem

Azadirachta indica

Azadirachta indica or neem is a tree prevalent in South Asia. The bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds have been utilized as food and medicine for centuries. In Ayurvedic medicine, neem is used externally for skin conditions, internally for gastrointestinal ailments, and for oral hygiene. Several forms of neem extracts are marketed as dietary supplements.

Neem has antimicrobial activity and is used against a wide range of pests and parasites (1). It is effective against lice (2) and has antiretroviral activity (5). Neem also reduces plaque and decreases oral bacterial counts (3), but data are conflicting (4). A neem bark extract was found to exhibit anti-secretory and anti-ulcer properties (6).