By enhancing the cellular immune response most pathogens can be eliminated before they cause the ill feeling associated with disease.
This mechanism could also help in diseases that involve the immune system, like AIDS.
Taking neem leaf or bark powder every other day or drinking a mild neem tea will enhance antibody production and the body's cell-mediated immune response, helping to prevent infections.
Neem has immuno-stimulating properties for both the lymphocytic and cell-mediated immune systems. When human white blood cells infected with HIV were cultured with neem extracts, the production of viral proteins dropped dramatically. Dr. Upadhyay and Dr. Berre'-Sinousi, (one of the scientists who identified the AIDS virus), believe the neem extracts block production of viral proteins thereby stopping replication of the virus.
Studies of the effects of neem bark and neem leaf extracts show they significantly reduced the P-24 viral proteins and induced in vitro production of IL-1 interferon (Upadhyay, et al, 1993). The National Institutes of Health, in a preliminary study, reports encouraging results from in vitro tests where neem bark extracts killed the AIDS virus. (Larson, 1993).
Another possible effect neem may have on combating the AIDS virus is its apparent ability to enhance the cell-mediated immune response to infection. Using extracts made by soaking neem bark in water, Dr. Van Der Nat (Netherlands) determined that the extract produces a strong immune
stimulating reaction.
The neem bark extract stimulated lymphocyte function which increased production of MIF, a lymphokine that attaches macrophages and monocytes to infectious agents. (Upadhyay, et al, 1990).
Believed to be the first line of defense against HIV infection, (Beardsley,1992);
(Caldwell, 1994) neem's ability to enhance the cell-mediated immune response may provide protection from vaginal contraction of the disease if neem is used as a vaginal lubricant before intercourse. If even only
partially successful in preventing the spread of AIDS, until scientists develop a cure, neem could save countless lives.
In cases where HIV has not advanced to full-blown AIDS some of the patients appear to have the enhanced cell-mediated immune responses (Caldwell, 1994) that neem can help produce. However, once contracted, AIDS may be treated by ingesting neem leaf extracts, whole leaf, Neem capsules or by drinking neem tea.
Many of the complications associated with AIDS can also be treated with neem leaf or bark and creams.
Lesions of the skin or burning sensations have been successfully treated with neem leaves added to bath water and by creams containing neem oil.
