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
Can it help blood sugar?
A randomized trial enrolled 80 adults with type 2 diabetes who were already using metformin. An aqueous leaf-and-twig extract improved fasting and after-meal glucose, HbA1c and insulin resistance over 12 weeks compared with placebo. This encouraging adjunct-treatment result does not test replacing metformin. 1
One small, short trial supports further study of this particular extract. 1
Why do other claims remain interesting?
MSK describes a small bark-extract study that reduced stomach acid secretion, and laboratory work on cancer cells. Those are distinct lines of research; the cell findings do not establish a cancer treatment in people. 2
Questions outside this review
This profile does not assess skin aging, immune support or liver-health benefits.
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Weight Management1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Organ Function1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Longevity1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Gut Health1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cardiovascular1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Sources
- Neem Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center