AVAILABLE IN the form of lotion, cream, soap, oil, spray and capsules, neem-based formulations can be used to treat diseases ranging from skin disorders to fungal and viral infections to periodontal diseases to nervous and blood disorders. In recognition of its numerous properties, this plant is rightly described as ‘village pharmacy’. And the plant is…you guessed it right, the traditional Indian Neem (Azadirachta indica).
Millions in India are familiar with Neem’s miraculous powers and scientists around the world are working to unravel more of its medicinal properties. Re-searches have already revealed promising results in so many disciplines that this obscure species may be of enormous benefit to countries both rich and poor. Even some of the most cautious researchers say that Neem deserves to be called a wonder plant. In particular, Neem may be a harbinger of a new generation of soft pesticides, which will allow people to protect crops in benign ways.
Although apparently justified by evidence, the rising enthusiasm is based largely on exploratory investigations rather than controlled experiments or wide-spread use of Neem products in modern practices. The results have seldom, if ever, been subjected to the rigours of independent evaluation or use.
Although Neem is one of the most ancient and widely used herbs on earth, in-tense scientific investigations into the properties of Neem are being undertaken across the globe. These studies verify the efficacy of its traditional uses and re-veal even more uses the plant can be put to. This illustrates again that traditional wisdom can guide modern science in developing remedies for human ailments.
Experts at the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow and the erstwhile King George’s Medical College (KGMC) here in a joint research have already obtained a patent for a mixture made of Neem bark and roots of a creeper, Tumba, grown in Punjab. They clinically tested the mixture for mouth-cleansing. Dr C.S Saimbi, Professor Periodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences (KGMC) and a researchers’ team led by the then Head of Tree Biology division, Dr H.M Behl, are behind the success of this formula underlying the mouth-cleansing product. The product awaits marketing by the pharmaceutical industry. This is the first ever Ayurvedic mouthwash anywhere in the world.
Regular mouth wash prevents plaque, which, if not checked in time, could lead to dental problems like gingivitis and pyorrhoea, says Dr. Saimbi. The mixture of Neem and Tumba was tested on a number of patients. It produced better results than the currently used mouthwash in the market, claimed Dr Saimbi.
Interestingly, with 80% of the Indian population living in rural areas, only the urban residents use the modern tooth paste and brush. A majority of the people in villages still prefer datun. There are at least six types of datun, viz., Neem, Babul, Mango, Guava, Dandarasa and roots of Pilu which are very commonly used and have medicinal properties as well, says Dr Saimbi, whose dental research has focused on traditional medicinal plants. He is the only one in India who holds a doctorate in Ayurveda besides a post graduate degree in dentistry.
Explaining the role of the different types of datun as cleansing agent, he says, while Neem is extremely popular, Babul makes the gum strong, healthy and well keratinized. Guava datun on the other hand acts as an antiseptic, though it does not make a good brush. Mango datun which contains gallic acid, citric acid, benzol and chlorophyll acts as a good antiseptic and deodorant. It is also popular in the southern States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The skin of the stem and branches of the walnut tree, called Dandasa, is also used to clean the teeth.
The bottom line with all these types of datuns is that chewing increases salivary flow which ultimately helps in the prevention of dental diseases, Dr Saimbi pointed out, adding that datun also helps in the prevention of plaque. There is no doubt oral hygiene can be properly maintained with the help of tooth brush but because of high cost, everybody can not afford it especially in rural areas. They clean their teeth with cheap and easily-available tooth powders and datun, he said. “I still recommend use of Datun to my patients at least twice a week in addition to regular brushing even in the urban areas”, he remarked.
Dr Saimbi said there were some 35 indigenous plants grown in India which have medicinal values for treating dental diseases. Experts have already worked out their clinical efficacy. Many of these plants have found their way into the unani, siddha and tibb systems of medicine across the country.
Modern scientists across the world are trying to find even more uses for this remarkable Neem tree. The plant’s seeds and bark contain compounds with proven anti-septic, anti-viral, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and anti-fungal properties.
Preliminary studies suggest exciting uses for Neem. Clinically it has been established that Neem-based cream or lotion can stop itching, inflammation or rashes and Neem tea may be taken internally for allergies to pollens.
The people of India have long revered the Neem tree, with millions cleaning their teeth with Neem twigs (datun). They have also applied Neem leaf juice when afflicted with skin disorders, consumed Neem tea as a tonic and scattered Neem leaves on their beds, books, grain-bins, cupboards, and closets to keep bugs away.
By Sanjay M Johri
Source : http://www.merinews.com/
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