Neem
Azadirachta indica
A fast-growing evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent and now found across tropical Africa. Its leaves, bark, seeds, and oil are used in traditional medicine, and it is also well known as a natural insecticide.
- Category
- Medicinal
- Found in
- West, Central and East AfricaPOWO
- Data sources
- Published literature
Local names
Known in 4 languages across 2 regions
Say it in
Yoruba · West Africa
Dongoyaro
also Igi-oba, Igi-neem
West Africa
East Africa
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Traditional & Common Uses
Important medical disclaimer
The information below is for educational reference only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
- General
Used in traditional medicine for malaria, diabetes, intestinal worms, and heart and skin diseases.
[1] Drugs.com. Neem (Azadirachta indica) professional monograph, drugs.com/npp/neem.html (last updated 14 Jul 2026).
- General
Used to bring down fever and relieve pain.
[2] A Review of Chemical Constituents and Traditional Usage of Neem Plant (Azadirachta indica). Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal, 2, 75–81 (2017). (Author names not confirmed.)
- General
Applied to skin ulcers, wounds, ringworm, and itching.
[2] A Review of Chemical Constituents and Traditional Usage of Neem Plant (Azadirachta indica). Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal, 2, 75–81 (2017). (Author names not confirmed.)
- General
Used as a natural insecticide and insect repellent, and as an oral dentifrice for cleaning teeth.
[1] Drugs.com. Neem (Azadirachta indica) professional monograph, drugs.com/npp/neem.html (last updated 14 Jul 2026).
Known Phytochemicals
Cautions & Contraindications
- highSignificant risk documented in literature
- moderatePotential risk; caution advised
- lowMinimal risk under normal conditions
- high
Oral neem oil should not be given to children; deaths and severe poisoning in infants have been reported.
[1] Drugs.com. Neem (Azadirachta indica) professional monograph, drugs.com/npp/neem.html (last updated 14 Jul 2026).
- high
Drug-induced liver injury has been reported, and drinking large amounts of neem oil has caused serious harm, including a reported case of vision loss.
[1] Drugs.com. Neem (Azadirachta indica) professional monograph, drugs.com/npp/neem.html (last updated 14 Jul 2026).
- moderate
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established; avoiding use is advised.
[1] Drugs.com. Neem (Azadirachta indica) professional monograph, drugs.com/npp/neem.html (last updated 14 Jul 2026).
- low
Few human clinical trials support neem's traditional therapeutic claims, and no established therapeutic dose exists.
[1] Drugs.com. Neem (Azadirachta indica) professional monograph, drugs.com/npp/neem.html (last updated 14 Jul 2026).
Sources & Citations
- 1Drugs.com. Neem (Azadirachta indica) professional monograph, drugs.com/npp/neem.html (last updated 14 Jul 2026).
- 2A Review of Chemical Constituents and Traditional Usage of Neem Plant (Azadirachta indica). Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal, 2, 75–81 (2017). (Author names not confirmed.)
- 3Rahmani, A.H., Almatroudi, A., Alrumaihi, F., & Khan, A.A. (2018). Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of neem (Azadirachta indica). Pharmacognosy Reviews, 12(24), 250.
- 4Orwa et al. (2009), Agroforestree Database 4.0, World Agroforestry: Azadirachta indica
