The health benefits of neem in treating various ailments are well-known. But it is important to note the side effects of neem that come with its excessive consumption. Taking 1 to 2 neem leaves per day or 4 ml of neem juice for about 10 weeks seems to be the safe dosage. But exceeding that dose, unless medically advised, can cause adverse effects.
Here, we understand the major side effects of neem and what precautions you can take to prevent them. Keep reading.
In This Article
What Are The Side Effects Of Neem Leaves?
1. May Cause Kidney Damage
A study reports of a case of acute renal failure in an individual after taking a Chinese herbal medication. The medication, as per the report, contained neem as one of the primary ingredients (1). Though no direct link had been established between neem intake and kidney damage, it is important to be careful. The trend of toxic renal injuries with respect to herbal medicines is likely to continue (1). Hence, exercise caution.
Some believe that excess intake of neem may also damage the liver. There is no research to support this. But to be on the safe side, if you have liver issues, please consult your doctor before consuming neem.
2. May Lower Blood Sugar Way Too Much
In a study, a combination of neem and longevity spinach (a type of spinach found in China) was found to have hypoglycemic properties (2).
Though the hypoglycemic effects of neem seem desirable, if you are on medications for lowering blood sugar, please check with your doctor before ingesting neem.
Doctors recommend small amounts of neem oil for individuals with diabetes as it controls blood sugar levels. But, when taken in excess, the drop may become extreme. Hypoglycemia may cause dizziness and weakness (fatigue) (3).
3. May Lead To Reduced Fertility
In rat studies, the administration of neem flower extracts blocked ovulation partially. Though neem could be used as an antifertility agent when required, it may also reduce fertility even when not desired (4).
In studies done on rats, mice, rabbits, and guinea pigs, neem was found to reduce male fertility. In male rats, this reduction was as much as 67% in just six weeks. However, neem didn’t seem to stop sperm production (5).
Some experts theorize that farmers use neem pesticides to cause infertility in the pests so that they do not multiply, resulting the same in individuals who expose themselves to these pesticides. These pesticides are known to disrupt the direction of the sperms and take a toll on the immune system. However, research is lacking in this aspect.
4. May Cause Miscarriage
In animal studies, neem extracts were found to induce pregnancy. The extracts could terminate a pregnancy with no visible side effects in both rodents and monkeys. Though this could be desirable for someone looking to abort the child, for those who are expecting to conceive, neem intake may not be recommended (6).
Some theories state that overexposure to neem may cause the immune system to become hyperactive. This could lead the body to reject the sperm cells and eject them from the conceived embryo. However, there is insufficient information to substantiate this.
5. May Cause Allergic Reactions
A study discusses a case of allergic contact stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) after the intake of neem leaves once every week for three consecutive weeks (7).
Though neem is most commonly used for treating allergies and rashes, its excessive use may lead to allergies. We need more research to further understand the other allergies the use of neem may cause.
6. May Lead To Infant Deaths
Studies have shown that neem could be toxic to infants. Doses of neem oil (as small as 5 ml) had resulted in infant deaths (8).
Animal studies also showed the toxicity of neem oil at doses as low as 12 to 24 ml per kilogram of body weight (9).
Though the contaminants in neem oil could be responsible for these effects (and not neem itself), more research is warranted. Neem leaves or their extracts must not be consumed for longer periods. Anecdotal reports state kidney failure in patients who consumed neem leaf teas as a treatment for malaria (10).
The substances in neem are known to cause symptoms of Reye’s syndrome in infants when exposed to neem oil. The consumption of the smallest dosage can be fatal for infants (11).
Insufficient Evidence For The Following
There is less information and research about the following side effects. These have only been validated by anecdotal evidence. However, if you experience any of these side effects after ingesting neem, please stop use and consult your doctor.
7. May Cause Stomach Irritation
Excess inhalation or consumption of neem may cause indigestion or stomach irritation. More research is needed to understand how this happens.
8. May Overstimulate Your Immune System
Consumption of neem or neem-based products can boost the immune system. However, heavy doses of neem (especially in patients with ailments) may overstimulate the immune system and cause complications.
Patients who have undergone organ transplants may also need to stay away from neem. The leaves are believed to interact with immunosuppressant medications during surgeries.
However, there is insufficient information in this regard.
The benefits of neem are wide-ranging and wonderful. When taken in the required amounts, it can promote your overall health. However, if you exceed the recommended dosage, it may cause kidney damage, significantly lower blood sugar levels, lead to reduced fertility, trigger allergic reactions, cause miscarriage, overstimulate the immune system, and cause stomach irritation. It can also be toxic to infants. Hence, caution is highly advised when consuming it. However, including 2 to 3 neem leaves or 4 ml of neem juice in your routine helps reap its benefits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is neem safe for your eyes?
Neem may cause eye irritation. In a study, an individual who had consumed neem oil had developed optic neuropathy (12). Hence, do not use neem directly on your eyes. If you have any eye ailments, consult your doctor before consuming neem oil.
What happens if we eat neem leaves daily?
Regular consumption of neem leaves may reduce the severity of skin diseases, decrease gastric acid secretion, and help reduce ulcers (13). However, prolonged consumption beyond the recommended dosage is linked to side effects.
Does neem make skin dark?
No. There is no scientific evidence that says neem can make skin dark. In fact, extracts of neem bark and heartwood have phenolic properties, which can be attributed to skin whitening (14).
Key Takeaways
- Animal studies have proven that neem has the potential to reduce male fertility.
- Some studies concluded that neem is toxic to infants.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests that neem may overstimulate the immune system and cause stomach irritation.
References:
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Acute Renal Failure Induced by Chinese Herbal Medication in Nigeria
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4496464/ - Hypoglycemic Effect of Combination of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. and Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. Ethanolic Extracts Standardized by Rutin and Quercetin in Alloxan-induced Hyperglycemic Rats
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4312413/ - RSSDI clinical practice recommendations for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus 2017
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5838201/ - Antifertility potential of Neem flower extract on adult female Sprague-Dawley rats
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2583274/ - BREAKTHROUGHS IN POPULATION CONTROL?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234639/ - nduced termination of pregnancy by purified extracts of Azadirachta Indica (Neem): mechanisms involved
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9228306 - Allergic contact stomatitis caused by neem leaves (Azadirachta indica)
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Allergic-contact-stomatitis-caused-by-neem-leaves-Ambooken-Abdulsalam/04ad81d7a1bf26267056728dc5b56174085b7863 - Neem Oil Poisoning as a Cause of Toxic Encephalopathy in an Infant
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12098-013-1327-x - Acute toxicity study of the oil from Azadirachta indica seed (neem oil)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3419203/ - Medicinals
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234637/ - Margosa oil poisoning as a cause of Reye’s syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6110100/ - A rare case of toxic optic neuropathy secondary to consumption of neem oil
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061674/ - Therapeutics Role of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Their Active Constituents in Diseases Prevention and Treatment
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791507/ - Critical review of Ayurvedic Varṇya herbs and their tyrosinase inhibition effect
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4623628/
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Ravi Teja Tadimalla
Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over… more
Garima Singh
(MSc (Nutrition), DNHE, DDHN)Garima Singh is a certified nutritionist and dietitian with over 7 years of experience. She provides both in-office and virtual… more
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