5 Benefits of Neem Leaves and Facts and Compounds In It!

Neem leaf or intaran leaf which has the Latin name Azadirachta indica is a typical plant from India with a variety of abundant benefits. For the people of India, neem leaves are often used as herbal medicine to cure various diseases. It is not surprising that since time immemorial the traditional medical world has included neem leaf extract in medicinal ingredients.

Neem leaves are found in tropical countries such as India, Pakistan and Indonesia. The leaves, which are also known in English as neem tree, can now be found almost in various regions in Indonesia. This is because many people already know its benefits for treatment, starting by making it an extract, oil, or boiling it to drink the water.

For Grameds who have heard of neem leaves, of course they have been advised to consume it as a traditional medicine for certain diseases. It's just that because they are not too familiar with neem leaves, many Grameds feel doubtful or afraid to use neem leaves as herbal medicine.

Well, in this article we will try to get to know the benefits and facts of neem leaves that are important to know. Neem plants are basically not only leaves that have many benefits, ranging from bark, seeds, roots, flowers, to fruit that can be used for health. Curious about what are the benefits of neem leaves, let's see the full review below.

Benefits of Neem Leaves for Health

Most of the people of the archipelago may know the benefits of neem leaves as a medicine to treat dandruff in the hair and acne on the scalp. However, along with the development of the traditional medical world, neem leaves are also known to have many benefits for treating various diseases such as asthma, constipation, cough, diabetes, stomach ulcers, digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, periodontal disease, and so on.

Some people also believe that neem leaves can be used to reduce inflammation, improve liver health, relieve pain, maintain eye health, increase the ability of the body's immune system, to prevent heart disease.

Although many people believe in the benefits provided by neem leaves, scientific studies on neem leaves are still very limited. This reason is an obstacle for the modern medical world not to dare to use neem leaves as a substitute for medical treatment from doctors.

Well, here is a summary of the benefits of neem leaves for health, including:

1. Dental Health

In a study involving about 20 participants who were divided into two groups, they were asked to use neem leaves and chlorhexidine gluconate (an ingredient often used to prevent gum disease) to improve dental health.

After a certain period of time, research results show that neem leaves are effective in improving dental health. The effectiveness of neem leaves is balanced with chlorhexidine gluconate. The results of this research eventually became the basis for researchers to recommend neem leaves as a more natural and economical dental health treatment.

Meanwhile, in another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 36 participants asked to use a toothpaste with neem leaf extract in it, and compared chlorhexidine gluconate as a mouthwash.

The results of this second study also proved that neem leaves have the ability to prevent plaque buildup more effectively than mouthwash. In addition, according to a study published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research explains that chewing gum containing neem leaves can help the development of bacteria caused by periodontal disease.

2. Treating Gastric Ulcers

The benefits of neem leaves are good for further health is its ability to treat gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers are sores in the stomach, causing stomach ulcers, such as heartburn, bloating, and nausea. Peptic ulcers themselves can be treated easily, but if not treated immediately, it can potentially create serious complications.

Based on a scientific study published by Phytotherapy Research, neem leaves have significant results in treating gastric ulcers. Researchers who were directly involved in this study said that neem leaf extract can be used to inhibit gastric acid secretion, so that ulcers in the stomach can be prevented. Neem leaves are usually extracted first so that they can be used for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

3. Prevents Cancer

In addition to being effective in maintaining healthy teeth and stomach ulcers, neem leaves are also known to be able to prevent cancer. Based on a study published in the journal Cancer Biology & Therapy in 2011 found that neem leaves can prevent cancer. Researchers believe that neem leaves have the ability to inhibit tumor growth while also boosting the body's immune system.

Extracts from neem leaves are usually used to treat cancer. However, it should be noted that until now there has been no strong research that can prove the potential of neem leaves in preventing let alone treating cancer.

4. Anti-Fungal and Anti-Bacterial

The next benefit of neem leaves is that it can be used to treat fungal and bacterial infections. Neem leaf itself is commonly used to treat several diseases caused by fungi or bacteria, such as warts to chickenpox. Neem leaves that have been processed into a paste can be applied to the affected area. In fact, some people also choose to take a bath with neem water so that it is more effective.

5. Good for Bones

Milk is usually used by many people to make bones stronger. Neem leaves have almost the same content as milk. The presence of calcium and strong mineral content in neem leaves can be used to create strong bones and reduce inflammation.

In the world of traditional medicine, neem leaves that have been converted into oil are often prescribed for elderly patients who have rheumatic complaints. Neem leaves are believed to be able to relieve rheumatic pain and stiffness in elderly people. In addition, the oil from neem leaves can also be used to help bone health. The usual way is to rub and massage it on the skin regularly.