Neem is a tropical evergreen tree native to Indian sub-continent. It has been frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 4000 years due to its excellent medicinal properties. In fact, Neem is commonly known as Village Pharmacy in rural India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word “nimba” which means “giver of good health.”

Neem is considered part of India’s genetic diversity. It’s the most researched tree in the world and is said to be most promising tree of the 21st Century.¹ Neem is such a beloved tree because every part of the tree, root, bark, leaves and seeds has been used for medical formulations for thousands of years. Having a tree in the courtyard is also said to keep away evil spirits and purify the air improving human health. Neem trees regulate the microclimate in cities; it filters the air and resists high pollution levels, all while providing leaves, fruits, kernels, twigs throughout its life.

Neem produces bountiful white star-shaped flowers with a pleasant aroma which attract many pollinators. The blossoms produce fruit which, when ripe, resemble olives with a sweet pulp and a seed with one to three kernels. Neem trees start bearing fruit after 3-5 years and are said to be fully mature after 10 years. When the tree is mature it can produce around 50kg of fruit every year depending on environmental conditions. Trees may live for about 200 years!

As Neem has been investigated and its chemical composition has been extensively examined, it has become very clear why neem has a divine reputation in the areas where its effects and uses are well known. More than 400 phytochemicals have been identified from the various parts of the plant.

What’s Inside

The composition of neem extracts depends on the plant part used for extraction, as well as the method and solvent used. The bark is a rich source of tannins, gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin and polysaccharides. All of these ingredients are known to have antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and, possibly, antitumor effects. Leaves contain nimocinol and sulphuric compounds with insecticidal and antifungal effects. The peel contains meliatetraolenone, sesquiterpene, azadirone and benzopyranoids which have insecticidal and antibacterial properties. Extracts made from Neem seeds contain meliacin, meliacinol, and azadirachtin all of which have proven insecticidal effects. The oil from the kernels contains nimbidin, nimbolide, gedunin, salannin and mahmoodin, which provide anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial effects. The oil shows strong antioxidant properties as well because it has a high phenolic content. Neem oil contains a high content of sulfur compounds which is the reason for its potent smell.

The evolutionary purpose of the phytochemicals in Neem, and in plants in general, is to protect the plant. Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites produced in various parts of the plant as a defense. These defense mechanisms protect against many threats such as herbivores, insects, bacterial and fungal attacks, as well as environmental threats like UV, drought and heat stress. Many of these factors are the same that cause premature skin aging, inflammation, and oxidative damage in human cells. The bioactives that protect the plant can also be used to protect ourselves, which makes Neem very attractive for personal care—especially in active personal care products.

Antioxidant: The phenolic content of Neem, such as flavonoids, coumarins content provide strong antioxidant properties, protecting the skin against a plethora of damaging effects. Antioxidants have been shown to lessen UV-induced cell damage by protecting against Reactive Oxygen Species and the resultant free radicals. The order of total phenol content as follow: Neem bark > leaf > flower.² 

Antioxidants are also useful for protection against damage caused by airborne pollution which can create ROS and free radicals as well. ROS and free radicals are known to damage cell structures like cell walls, proteins and even DNA. This damage can cause mutations, inflammation or cell death. If left uncontrolled, and if the skin is continuously exposed to these factors, it can lead to the formation of wrinkles, pigmentation, dehydration, loss of elasticity, and even, in the worst cases, cancerous cells.  

Moisturizer: Not only does Neem contain a wealth of beneficial bioactives, its seeds also contain an oil with an excellent fatty acid composition for skin care products. Neem oil contains a high concentration of oleic acid which is known for its good stability and skin-penetrating properties. Evidence suggests it might increase the uptake of bioactives over the skin. It also contains high amounts of stearic and linoleic acids that protect and restore the skin’s natural barriers. This reduces the transepidermal water loss leading to hydrated and softer skin.

Antimicrobial: Neem seed oil and extracts of other parts of the tree have antibacterial and antifungal activity. Natural antimicrobial products are highly sought after these days due to safety concerns from synthetic ingredients. Natural antimicrobial agents, like those found in Neem, offer new possibilities in the fight against several bacteria strains. Extracts from different parts of the tree can be combined to increase the versatility of antimicrobial activity. Neem oil is also active against a wide range of bacteria—Bacillus pumilus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomona vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonae, Salmonella typhi, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus dysenterae, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus mitis.3 Antimicrobial effects from Neem oil and extracts give it some preservative effect which can be beneficial in cosmetic and skincare products.

Anti-fungal: Antifungal activity of Azadirachta indica tested on different pathogens through different Neem extracts which includes ethanolic, aqueous and ethyl acetone extracts on growth of pathogens; i.e., Microsporum gypseum, Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigates and Aspergillus flavus, by using different concentrations and results showed that these leaves extracts stopped the growth of the tested pathogens.³ This effect increased with increased concentration.

Anti-acne and anti-dandruff: Due to its antibacterial properties, extract of Neem leaves, bark and oil can be used in anti-acne products. In one study, Neem leaves extract has shown positive results in comedonal acne and acne on face. Intervention of Neem leaves paste application was significantly effective for early recovery of face acne among teenagers with face acne.⁴ Neem leaves, bark and oil can be incorporated into face wash, gel or face pack or even in serum for oil control and acne treatment. The phytochemical screening of ethanolic Neem bark extract⁵ and leaf extract⁶ revealed anti-dandruff activity against Malassezia species such as M. globosa and M. restricta) and Pityrosporum ovale. It can be incorporated into shampoos to combat dandruff, and encourage hair growth and general health.

Oral care: Traditionally Neem twigs are used to brush and clean teeth.⁷ The antibacterial action of the leaf, seed, bark and fruit extracts of Neem on microbes obtain from mouth of adults revealed that leaf and bark extracts possess antibacterial action against all the tested bacteria. So, Neem leaves or bark extract can be used in toothpastes and mouthwashes as antibacterial actives.

Environmental Benefits

Neem is not only beneficial for humans, as it provides many positive effects for the environment as well. It is drought-resistant and grows quickly, which is suitable in a range of habitats. This opens up the possibility to grow Neem in areas where most agriculturally important trees or crops cannot grow. It helps retain water in the soil and slows erosion, making it a powerful natural deterrent against heavy floods. These properties make the Neem tree a valuable tool for the restoration of natural areas and against desertification.⁸ Through shading, protecting against erosion, and leaving detritus, Neem helps improve soils. As the tree provides shade it can help regulate local climate as well. This is especially valuable in cities in tropical areas and will become increasingly important with future climate change. Neem is thus not only valuable because of its many phytochemical components, but also for the many ecosystem services it provides. Neem is a great candidate for reforestation in many areas and can be included in mixed agricultural systems.

With its multiple benefits it is obvious why Neem has become a natural powerhouse for the personal care industry. It is also a very sustainable material that can be beneficial for the environment and add ecosystem services. Neem is an excellent choice for nearly every cosmetic application, without having to be concerned about the environmental impact. 


References:

1. Neem- A Tree for Solving Global Problem – ISSN – 2249-555X: Volume  3, Issue 10 , Oct 2013 
2. Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Hydro Distilled Extracts of Leaf, Heart Wood and Flower of Azadirachta Indica   ISSN 0976 – 044X , 20(2), May – Jun 2013; n° 41, 222-224
3. Azadirachta indica: Antibacterial Activity of Neem Against Different Strains of Bacteria and their Active Constituents as Preventive in Various Diseases – Pharmacogn J. 2019;11(6) Suppl:1597-1604
4. Effectiveness of Application of Neem Paste on Face Acne among Teenagers in Selected Area of Sangli, Miraj and Kupwad Corporation – ISSN: 2319-7064 , Volume 8 Issue 6, June 2019
5. Phytochemical screening and in vitro anti-dandruff activities of bark extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) -ISSN: 0975-7619 :  Vol 13 ,Issue 5, 2020
6. Antifungal Properties of Neem (Azardirachta Indica) Leaves Extract To Treat Hair Dandruff – ISSN: 2094-1749 Volume: 2 Issue: 3, 2010
7. Therapeutics role of neem and its bioactive constituents in disease prevention and treatment E-ISSN: 2278-4136 , 2019; 8(3): 680-691
8. Neem the Wonder Herb: A Short Review ISSN: 2456- 6470, Volume-3, Issue-3, April 2019, pp.962-967

About International Cosmetics Science Centre International Cosmetics Science Centre offers Neem oil in several variants. ICSC offers Neem as unrefined for customers who want the full benefits of Neem. In certain cases, the potent smell of Neem oil might not be desirable. Through its Greener Technology, ICSC developed a method to carefully refine the oil to remove any unpleasant odor. ICSC also deliver Neem refined or unrefined as butter to improve texture and skin feel. All ICSC Neem oil is obtained by cold pressing the seeds to ensure the highest quality end product. https://icsc.dk