Neem
Neem is Azadirachta indica, an evergreen tree of the mahogany family from the Indian subcontinent. Its leaves, bark and seed oil are used in Ayurveda.
Also listed as Azadirachta indica, Neem Extract, Organic Neem, Organic Neem Extract
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
Which part of neem are we talking about?
Neem, Azadirachta indica, is a South Asian tree whose leaves, bark, flowers and seeds have traditional uses. Extracts sold under the same plant name can therefore represent different preparations. 1
Seed oil contains fatty acids and bitter compounds including nimbin and nimbidin. Their concentrations vary between commercial samples, another reason to keep oil separate from leaf-extract research. 2
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Is neem oil the same as the studied extract?
No. The diabetes trial tested a water extract of leaves and twigs; neem oil comes from seeds. 2 3
Is there evidence for cholesterol?
The 12-week diabetes trial found no lipid-profile benefit. That is a negative result for that preparation and setting. 3
Can neem oil irritate the skin?
Yes. Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported after topical use. 1
Sources
- Neem Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Margosa Oil LiverTox, 2020