A natural shield for modern health

NEEM (Azadirachta indica), a tree native to the Indian subcontinent and a key figure in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine, is rapidly gaining global recognition for its vast therapeutic and nutritional properties.

- Sadhvika Srinivas

Once known only as a household remedy in rural India, neem has now taken centre stage in modern research for its disease-fighting capabilities and antioxidant strength.

A nutrient-dense natural healer

Belonging to the Meliaceae family, neem is a powerhouse of biologically active compounds. Though it may not be consumed in large amounts as part of a typical diet, even small doses of neem, particularly its leaves, seeds, and bark, offer notable nutritional and therapeutic advantages. Neem leaves are rich in vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, fibre, and certain essential amino acids like leucine and lysine. These nutrients play a role in supporting immune health, bone strength, and gut function.

But neem's true value lies beyond basic nutrition. The plant contains a unique combination of bioactive compounds including nimbin, nimbolide, nimbidin, azadirachtin, quercetin, and beta-sitosterol, many of which are responsible for its powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.

Antioxidant armour