Neem extracts: Treatment of diabetes mellitus gains fillip from use of neem leaves to lower blood sugar levels
As per a study published in American medical journal PubMed, data suggests that Azadirachta indica (Neem) or A.indica could be of benefit in diabetes mellitus in controlling the blood sugar or may also be helpful in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.
This use of neem in treating diabetes is not new. India has an ancient medical science that uses extracts of natural elements to treat various diseases. Tulsi, neem, turmeric, ginger and thousands of other medicinal herbs make it to the annals of Ayurveda's Hall of fame.
Neem Tree: The Kalpa-Vriksha of Ayurvedic medicine:
Almost every part of the neem tree is used in traditional medicine like
Ayurveda. The stem, root bark, and young fruits are used as a tonic and
astringent. Certain Ayurvedic preparations use the neem tree bark as an
analgesic and to treat malaria and cutaneous diseases. Tender leaves of a
neem tree are used in the treatment of worm infections, ulcers, and
cardiovascular diseases. Neem shows beneficial use when used as a
support to the treatment of leprosy.
Neem leaves are a natural pesticide and insect repellent. For hundreds of years, Indian households have used the smoke generated by burning neem leaves as a way to chase out disease-vectors such as mosquitoes, insects etc. Using neem extracts on crop has shown recovery from certain crop-afflictions. Neem leaves used in the storage of grains have shown to be effective in keeping moths and other grain-destroying insects at bay.
The Varanasi experiment with diabetics:
A research paper published in the Asian Journal of Home Science published a report after treating diabetic patients (Type II) in Varanasi with Azadirachta indica - neem. The experimental group was administered neem leaf powder (10g) per day. The study was carried out for over 6 months. Biochemical indices - such as blood glucose level before and after administration of the leaf powder after every 2 months, 4 months, 6 months duration - were measured.
The mean blood glucose values of the patients after 6 months of administration of the neem leaves had significantly dropped. There was a minor difference after two months of use of neem extract, similarly after four months. But after six months, blood glucose level reduced significantly.
One more factor which was observed during the treatment was that the medicine doses (insulin) of the diabetics needed to be reduced by the sixth month. Reduction in the doses of medicine revealed the fact that the green leaves of neem pose hypoglycemic effect.
Neem delays the coagulation of blood, which calms erratic heartbeats, hence, reduces potential heart diseases and high blood pressure. For non-ketonic and insulin-sensitive diabetic patients, neem leaf extracts can reduce their insulin requirements by 30-50%.
Seek advice from a doctor or Vaidya:
Meetha neem - curry patta (leaves) or and Murraya kolnigii and
methi leaves also have therapeutic use in the treatment of diabetes
mellitus, but more on that separately. Ayurved practitioners (Vaidyas)
or Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers have ready-to-use neem extract
treatment that one can seek for blood sugar ailments. Always consult a
qualified Ayurvedic doctor before buying any OTC medicines that claim to
have treatment for any ailment through the principles of Ayurveda.
The medicines come in various forms such as powder extracts, tablets or globules, kaadha (syrupy concentrate) etc.
Caution: Always take medicines under the
observation and prescription of a qualified doctor. Neem oil (made from
neem seeds) contains low concentrations of aflatoxin that are poisonous
in large doses.
- Neem is truly a magical herb that has several uses in traditional medicine, be it for ingestion or application
- Neem tree bark, leaves, fruit, roots, seeds etc all are put to some or the other use by Ayurvedic practitioners
- Neem extracts help regulate blood sugar even among insulin-dependent diabetics. Ask your doctor for information on this supportive treatment