Nimba (Azadirachta indica) — Hermetica Encyclopedia
Herbs (Global Traditional) · Ayurveda

Nimba (Azadirachta indica)

Provisional Moderate Scorebotanical

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Nimba (Azadirachta indica) is an Ayurvedic herb containing bioactive compounds like azadirachtin and nimbolide that exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaf extract demonstrates antibacterial activity against resistant pathogens and shows potential chemopreventive effects through modulation of cellular pathways.

Screened PMID Records
Reported Benefits
Pending
Synergy Review
At a Glance
CategoryHerbs (Global Traditional)
GroupAyurveda
Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate
Primary Keywordnimba benefits
Nimba close-up macro showing natural texture and detail — rich in antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory
Nimba (Azadirachta indica) — botanical close-up

Origin & History

Nimba growing in India — natural habitat
Natural habitat

Nimba (Azadirachta indica), commonly known as neem, is a tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, belonging to the Meliaceae family. All parts of the tree—bark, leaves, seeds, roots, flowers, and fruit—are used medicinally, with extraction methods including ethanol extracts from leaves, decoctions from bark, and oils from seeds.

In Ayurveda, used for over 2,000 years, neem pacifies pitta and kapha doshas and treats skin diseases, fever, malaria, diabetes, wounds, arthritis, and infections. Traditional preparations include bark decoctions for fever/malaria, leaves for immunity/diabetes/skin conditions, and oil for joints/hair.Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

The research dossier reveals a notable absence of human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Azadirachta indica. Current evidence is limited to preclinical and in vitro studies, including antibacterial testing against pathogens and anti-inflammatory effects in rat models at 200 mg/kg doses.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"fiber": "Approximately 3.6 g per 100 g of neem leaves", "protein": "Approximately 7.1 g per 100 g of neem leaves"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin C": "About 24 mg per 100 g of neem leaves", "Vitamin E": "Trace amounts"}, "minerals": {"Calcium": "About 429 mg per 100 g of neem leaves", "Iron": "About 25.3 mg per 100 g of neem leaves", "Potassium": "About 875 mg per 100 g of neem leaves"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"Azadirachtin": "Approximately 0.2% in neem seed kernels", "Nimbolide": "Trace amounts in leaves and seeds", "Quercetin": "Present in leaves, exact concentration varies"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The bioavailability of neem's bioactive compounds can be affected by factors such as preparation method and individual metabolism. Azadirachtin and nimbolide are more concentrated in seeds and leaves, respectively, and may require extraction for optimal absorption."}

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Nimba's primary bioactive compounds azadirachtin and nimbolide interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis and disrupt protein function in pathogenic microorganisms. The anti-inflammatory effects appear to involve inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase pathways. Chemopreventive properties likely involve modulation of phase II detoxification enzymes and inhibition of carcinogen-DNA adduct formation.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

In vitro studies demonstrate nimba leaf extract's antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA strains. Animal studies using 200 mg/kg doses showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in rodent models. Preliminary research in DMBA-induced rat carcinoma models suggests chemopreventive potential, though human clinical trials are lacking. Current evidence remains at the preclinical stage with limited human safety and efficacy data.

Also Known As

Azadirachta indicaNeemIndian LilacMargosa TreeNimbAristaVepaKohomba

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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