Neem (Azadirachta indica), is widely used as a natural remedy across India, for a range of ailments. A new study published in “Perspectives in Cancer Prevention” in August confirms the plant’s anti-cancer properties. Neem, which grows naturally in India and has now been introduced across the world, is one of the most versatile medicinal
plants.
Its bioactivity is caused by its many complex limonoid chemicals. The new study concludes that these liminoids prevent the activation of carcinogens and enhance the system’santioxidant and detoxiication capabilities. It thus protects the system from cancerous cell proliferation, inflammation, invasion and angiogenesis. Neem also targets carcinogens in multiple ways, thus proving much more effective.
The researchers propose that the main molecular mechanism for neem’s anti-cancer properties is the xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XME). Ethanolic neem leaf extracts, neem leaf fractions, and the compound azadirachtin have negative effects on carcinogenesis, the creation of cancerous cells in the body. The researchers also investigated the antioxidative properties of several portions of the neem plants, including leaves, fruits, flowers, and bark extract.
Neem is receiving an increasing amount of attention worldwide for its many natural treatment properties. For medicinal purposes, neem is chemically diverse, cheap and has minimal toxic side-effects as compared to regular antibiotics and medicines. Neem is known as a medical treasure among Indian traditional medicine, and the many uses and benefits of neem have to led it being called the cure for all ills. However, the current study only included preclinicl testing on the anti-cancer and therapeutic effect of neem on human beings. The study calls for further research into the metabolism, mechanism of action and also for rigorous clinical trials on neem.