The neem tree has been used in medicinal treatments for centuries.
Nature has a way of providing us with what we need to cure our problems, if only we can find it. Scientists have recently discovered neem bark may be of use in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus made the discovery that might be opening the door to new treatments.
What is neem bark?
The neem tree is native to dry areas located in South Asia. This tree grows quickly and is part of the mahogany family. The Neem tree and its bark, (the outer layer), are used in multiple medicinal ways in Ayurvedic and folk medicine. They are also a known source of organic pesticides.
Neem is often used in cosmetics for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be found in shampoos that treat dandruff, as well as creams and soaps used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, and psoriasis.
According to Britannica.com, the neem tree has also been used in:
- Toothpastes
- Mouthwashes
- Toothbrushes
- Tradition diabetes treatments
- Treatments for malaria
- Stomach treatments
- Medicines for stomach ulcers
It’s important to note that consuming and using neem oil and neem bark or leaves is unsafe for pregnant women. This is because the plant consuming the plant could cause a miscarriage.
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How neem bark can reduce the spread of COVID-19
Researchers found that neem bark has antiviral properties against coronaviruses. In a lab setting, neem bark extract was as effective as current preventive COVID-19 drugs when guarding against infection. Neem extract was also shown to decrease how much the virus reproduced and spread after an infection started. Scientists say they think neem could be useful in protecting humans against future variants of the novel coronavirus.
“The goal of this research is to develop a Neem-based medication that can reduce the risk of serious illness when someone is infected with coronaviruses,” said the study’s co-author Maria Nagel, MD. Nagel is a research professor in the department of neurology and ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School.
“We hope that scientists won’t have to continuously develop new therapies every time a new SARS-CoV-2 variant emerges,” Nagel added. “Just like how we take penicillin for strep throat, we envision taking the Neem-based drug for COVID, allowing us to resume our normal lives without fear of hospitalization and death.”
Other medicinal trees
Many medicines today come from plants. Willow bark is one of the most famous. This tree has been used for thousands of years as nature’s aspirin to treat fevers and inflammation. Used in China and Europe, studies have shown willow bark can reduce headaches, lower back pain, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, and more.
The developments of neem bark in connection with treating COVID-19 sound promising. Further research is needed to come up with the ultimate neem-based coronavirus cure but this is a step in the right direction.
For further information on the neem tree and how it’s used in medicine, click here.
photo credits: Ikhwan Ameer/Shutterstock.com
