Neem's Effects against Fungi
India's tropical climate especially in the coastal regions creates the kind of humid hot house atmosphere that funguses thrive in. Traditionally, in Ayurveda, Neem seed oil, aqueous extracts of Neem leaf, Neem leaf powder, the smoke from burning dried Neem leaves, and Neem leaf pastes have been used for the prevention and treatment of fungal conditions in India.
Athlete's foot, ringworm, and Candida, which causes vaginal yeast infections and thrush, are some of the more common fungi that attack humans. There are two medicinal compounds in the Neem leaf, gedunin and nimbidol, which have been clinically proven to control these fungi. Jock itch, another fungi that attacks humans, has been treated traditionally in India for thousands of years with Neem seed oil and aqueous extracts of Neem leaf. Creating medicinal smoke by burning dried Neem leaves, is an ancient practice in Ayurveda for purifying the atmosphere around a seriously ill patient. A clinical study examining the efficacy of this ancient practice found that smoke from burning dried Neem leaves exerted an extreme suppression of fungal growth and germination.
Amongst the thousands of Ayurvedic medicinal plants in India, modern clinical research has now proven that Neem extracts contain some of the most powerful antifungal compounds against certain fungi.
Neem extracts are some of the most powerful anti fungal plant extracts found in Indian pharmacopia against certain fungi (Khanna and Chandre, 1972); (Chary, et al, 1984).
In particular, research has shown that the compounds gedunin and nimbidol found in the neem leaf control several fungi which attack humans, including those that cause athlete's foot, ringworm, and even controls Candida, an organism that causes yeast infections and thrush (Thindand Dahiya, 1978); (David, 1965); (Murthy and Sirsi, 1958b); (Khan and
Wassilew, 1987); (Khan, et al, 1991); (Kher, 1972).
Compounds found in neem leaf called quercetins (flavanoids) are effective antimycotics. (Khan et al,1988)
Two researchers, basing their study on the ancient tradition of using neem to purify the air around the sick, have found that neem smoke exhibited extreme suppression of fungal growth and germination (Upadhyay and Arora, 1975).
Neem has proved effective against certain fungi that infect the human body. Such fungi are an increasing problem and have been difficult to control by synthetic fungicides. For example, in one laboratory study, conducted by Khan and Wassilew 1987, Neem preparations showed toxicity to cultures of 14 common fungi, including members of the following genera:
· Trichophyton an 'athlete's foot' fungus that infects hair, skin and nails;
· Epidermophyton a 'ringworm' that invades both skin and nails of the feet;
· Microsporum a 'ringworm' that invades hair, skin and (rarely) nails;
· Trichosporon a fungus of the intestinal tract;
· Geotrichum a yeast like fungus that causes infections of the bronchi, lungs and mucous membranes;
· Candida a yeast-like fungus that is part of the normal flora but can get out of control, leading to lesions in mouth (thrush), vagina, skin, hands and lungs.
Athletes foot
Athlete's Foot is one of the most common forms of fungal infections in the human environment. Athlete's Foot is generally contained to the area between the soles of the feet and the toes. This mild fungus is usually picked up in warm, public facilities, such as showers, swimming pools and gymnasiums.
Neem and Athletes foot
Neem has been found to be effective against athlete's foot. Fungal infections of this type affect nine out of ten people in the United Kingdom at some time or another. Untreated, this fungus can attack the toenails and even cause secondary infections throughout the body. A corn starch powder combined with powdered neem leaves makes an excellent preventative while a neem-based lotion or bathing in a oil/leaf extract can be used if an infection has already begun
Prevention:
Athlete's Foot is easily preventable. Keeping feet cool and dry, especially during warm summer months. Using neem bubble bath, soap, or lotions is the easiest way to prevent Athlete's Foot. Those prone to excessive perspiration can purchase special socks which helps to wick wetness and keep feet dry..
Ringworm
Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus that can affect the scalp, skin, fingers, toe nails or foot. Affecting the smooth skin and scalp, these fungal infections are often accompanied by profound itching and redness of the affected skin. This fungus produces circular ring lesions up to six inches in diameter on the skin and can cause loss of hair in patches of the scalp.
Ringworm and Neem
Neem has historically been an effective treatment for fungal infections. Early studies verified scientifically that the fungus that causes ringworm is effectively controlled with neem extracts. In one trial, patients with long term and severe cases of ringworm were selected for study. They had used commercial ointments containing salicylic acid and benzoic acid for over three years yet had failed to stop the infection. They were each treated with alcoholic neem leaf extract in a carrier cream. Within just two to three days after using neem extract on the areas the patients were clear of the infection and remained so for the one year follow-up period. Washing with neem soap or shampoo and rubbing neem cream onto the affected areas clears this infection in several days.
