Neem Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More! 

Introduction

Neem juice, derived from the crushed leaves of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), has traditionally been incorporated into various cultural practices. The neem tree is native to regions including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, and is recognised in systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine¹.    

Neem leaves contain a variety of naturally occurring compounds known as phytochemicals. These are currently the subject of scientific research for their potential roles in supporting various biological functions. 

Please note that while neem juice is traditionally consumed for general wellness, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should consult a healthcare professional before introducing any new product into your daily routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

Nutritional Benefits of Neem Juice

Some nutrients found in neem leaf are minerals like calcium and phosphorous. Neem juice also contains phytochemicals such as²:

• Quercetin   
• Beta-Sitosterol     
• Nimbin     
• Nimbanene     
• Nimbandiol     
• Nimbolide     
• Nimbiol     
• 6-Desacetylnimbinene     
• N-Hexacosanol     
• 7-Desacetyl-7-Benzoylazadiradione,     
• 17-Hydroxyazadiradione     
• Amino Acids¹Â Â Â 

Properties of Neem Juice

Owing to the history of phytochemicals it contains, neem juice may show the following properties for human health¹: 

• It may show antibacterial activity   
• It may act as antifungal activity   
• It may help with lowering inflammation     
• It may help with arthritis   
• It may help with stomach ulcers   
• It may act as an anti-tumour agent 

Potential Uses of Neem Juice for Overall Health

The many valuable properties of neem juice may be beneficial for health conditions. However, most of these uses have been observed in laboratory-scale trials using neem leaf extract. More research is necessary to confirm its effects in humans. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you consult a qualified medical professional before using neem juice for any health-related concerns, particularly for serious or ongoing medical conditions.  

1. Potential Uses of Neem Juice for Wound Healing  

Neem leaf extract could help promote wound healing as observed during several animal studies using rats. Neem juice may show properties similar to its extract. Therefore, you may use neem juice to help accelerate wound healing². However, if you have a wound, you still need to take complete wound care to prevent the wound from getting infected. Avoid using neem juice without consulting with a doctor first.    

2. Potential Uses of Neem Juice for Diabetes  

Neem extract has been evaluated for its antidiabetic activity in laboratory studies. Neem extract may show positive effects on blood glucose and help improve insulin signaling, increase glucose uptake, and restore impaired glucose metabolism. Neem leaf extract also showed activity against diabetes mellitus³. Avoid using neem juice or any other herbal remedy without consulting your healthcare provider first.   

3. Potential Uses of Neem Juice for Liver  

Neem leaf extract has shown potential as a liver-supportive agent in animal studies⁴. It appeared to help restore liver enzyme levels and reduce signs of liver toxicity, although further research, including human clinical trials, is necessary to confirm these effects. It is essential to consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any liver-related issues. Attempting to treat liver conditions with herbs or home remedies without medical supervision may lead to complications or worsen the condition.  

4. Potential Uses of Neem Juice Against Infections  

Neem leaf extract has shown antibacterial activity against several foodborne bacteria in laboratory studies⁵, along with antifungal effects and potential action against the growth of coxsackievirus. Neem juice may share some of these properties; however, all findings to date have been observed in lab-based research. If you are experiencing a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, it is essential to seek medical advice and receive appropriate treatment, as larger clinical studies are required to confirm neem’s efficacy in humans.   

5. Potential Uses of Neem Juice Against Inflammation   

Neem leaves are known to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Free radicals in the body are thought to contribute to the development of chronic conditions over time, and antioxidants may help neutralise these effects. The antioxidant potential of neem leaves may support the body’s natural defences against oxidative stress, while their anti-inflammatory properties may assist in managing general inflammation and swelling⁶.   

Though some studies show the benefits of neem juice in various conditions, these are insufficient to establish the true extent of the benefits of neem juice on human health. Always consult a doctor for appropriate management of medical conditions.    

As neem has hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, and antispasmodic properties, neem juice may be beneficial for maintaining digestive health. It may help promote regular bowel movements, support liver function, and assist in relieving occasional constipation; however, further clinical research is needed to confirm these effects.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Neem Juice

To prepare fresh neem juice, rinse the leaves thoroughly with clean water. Grind them into a paste and add water to achieve a juice-like consistency. Neem juice is traditionally consumed for its potential health benefits.

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking neem juice or any herbal supplements. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.    

Neem leaves are proven to have antifungal properties. Because of this, the juice extracted from its leaves might be beneficial for reducing dandruff from the scalp and maintaining healthy hair and clean scalp.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Side Effects of Neem Juice

While neem has been used traditionally for centuries, modern research into its safety remains insufficient. Responsible, restricted use is recommended until supported by more clinical trials⁷. 

Precautions to Take with Neem Juice

Here are some precautions you need to take while using neem juice.  

Precautions for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women  

There is a lack of sufficient information to support the use of neem juice during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking neem without consulting with your doctor or healthcare provider.   

Precautions for the Elderly and Children  

There is a lack of information supporting the use of neem juice in the elderly and children. It is better avoid its use unless prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider.   

Interactions with Other Drugs

Avoid using neem juice for its properties without consulting your doctor. Always consult your doctor about any herbs or juices you need to avoid when taking any medication. 

Conclusion

Neem juice, derived from neem leaves, is rich in bioactive compounds and traditionally used in various cultures for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and potential antidiabetic and liver-supportive properties. While early research, particularly in laboratory and animal studies, shows beneficial properties, there is insufficient clinical evidence to fully establish its effectiveness for human health. Neem juice should be consumed with caution, especially by pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using neem juice as a supplement or remedy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Alzohairy MA. Therapeutics Role of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Their Active Constituents in Diseases Prevention and Treatment. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:7382506. doi: 10.1155/2016/7382506. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4791507/ 

2. Nasrine A, Narayana S, Gulzar Ahmed M, Sultana R, Noushida N, Raunak Salian T, Almuqbil M, Almadani ME, Alshehri A, Alghamdi A, Alshehri S, Mohammed Basheeruddin Asdaq S. Neem (Azadirachta Indica) and silk fibroin associated hydrogel: Boon for wound healing treatment regimen. Saudi Pharm J. 2023 Oct;31(10):101749. doi: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101749. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10470283/  

3. Satyanarayana K, Sravanthi K, Shaker IA, Ponnulakshmi R. Molecular approach to identify antidiabetic potential of Azadirachta indica. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2015 Jul-Sep;6(3):165-74. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.157950. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4630690/  

4. Nikolova G, Ananiev J, Ivanov V, Petkova-Parlapanska K, Georgieva E, Karamalakova Y. The Azadirachta indica (Neem) Seed Oil Reduced Chronic Redox-Homeostasis Imbalance in a Mice Experimental Model on Ochratoxine A-Induced Hepatotoxicity. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Aug 28;11(9):1678. doi: 10.3390/antiox11091678. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9495949/  

5. Badam L, Joshi SP, Bedekar SS. ‘In vitro’ antiviral activity of neem (Azadirachta indica. A. Juss) leaf extract against group B coxsackieviruses. J Commun Dis. 1999 Jun;31(2):79-90. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10810594/  

6. He JB, Fang MJ, Ma XY, Li WJ, Lin DS. Angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of azadirachtin A improve random skin flap survival in rats. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2020 Dec;245(18):1672-1682. doi: 10.1177/1535370220951896. Epub 2020 Aug 31. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7802382/  

7. Islas JF, Acosta E, G-Buentello Z, Delgado-Gallegos JL, Moreno-Treviño MG, Escalante B, et al. An overview of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and its potential impact on health. Journal of Functional Foods [Internet]. 2020 Nov [cited 2025 May 30];74(104171):104171. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620303959 

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