Tyrosine Dosage and Food Sources

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L-tyrosine (4-hydroxyphenylalanine) is a nonessential amino acid that the body synthesizes from phenylalanine. This amino acid is necessary for making the brain neurotransmitters dopamine,  epinephrine and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells communicate and influence mood.  Tyrosine is made in our bodies and is also found naturally in animal protein  and plant protein.

Natural Sources

Tyrosine is found naturally in soy products, fish, turkey, chicken, almonds, peanuts, bananas, avocados, milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, lima beans, oats, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.

Tyrosine Benefits and Health Effects

Tyrosine is the precursor of the catecholamines; alterations in the availability of L-tyrosine to the brain can influence the synthesis of both dopamine and norepinephrine in experimental animals and presumably in humans. In animals, stress increases the release of catecholamines, which can result in the depletion of their levels, an effect that can be corrected by giving tyrosine. Some studies show that tyrosine supplements boosts mental performance under stress. In a study, tyrosine was given at a dosage of two grams per day for five days during a demanding military combat training course; it improved various aspects of cognitive function relative to placebo. A 2010 study reported in the “Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition” found that tyrosine supplement led to significantly greater improvements in focus and alertness after exhaustive exercise. In a study, a protein drink containing 10 g per day of tyrosine was more powerful than a carbohydrate drink for improving mental performance scores in a group of cadets taking a stressful 6-day combat training course. In another clinical trial found that one-time administration of 150 mg of tyrosine per 2.2
pounds of body weight helped prevent a decline in mental performance for approximately 3 hours during a night of sleep deprivation.

In a study, alcoholics treated with tyrosine combined with other supplements had reduced withdrawal symptoms. In this clinical trial, a group of alcoholics were treated with 1.5 g of D,L-phenylalanine, 400 mg of  tryptophan, 300 mg of glutamine and 900 mg of L-tyrosine  per day, plus a multivitamin-mineral supplement. This supplement regimen led to a important decline in withdrawal symptoms and decreased stress in alcoholics compared to the effects of placebo.

L-tyrosine reduces the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. A study reported in 1982 in “Life Sciences” demonstrated that tyrosine may benefit patients with Parkinson’s disease. Scientists administered 100 mg/kg of tyrosine to each of the 23 patients with Parkinson’s disease. Evaluation of tyrosine’s effect in 23 Parkinson’s disease patients showed 100 mg/kg tyrosine daily raised plasma and cerebral spinal fluid tyrosine and homovanillicacid levels, indicating increased catecholamine synthesis and release. In a small study showed  that some patients with Parkinson’s disease who supplemented with tyrosine for 3 years had better clinical results and fewer adverse effects than did patients using L-dopa.

Tyrosine Dosage

As reported in the literature, the recommended daily dosage of tyrosine is 100-150 mg/kg body weight. Some health professionals recommends taking tyrosine supplements 30 minutes before meals in three daily doses between 500 to 1,000 mg each. L-Tyrosine may need to be supplemented with its synergistic amino acids including 5-Hydroxytryptophan, L-Phenylalanine, and L-Methionine. Also, vitamin B6, B9, and copper are necessary for conversion of tyrosine into neurotransmitters.

Side Effects

Tyrosine is usually safe with infrequent reports of adverse effects. Occasional nausea,vomiting, diarrhea, or insomnia are reported by those taking higher doses of tyrosine (>150 mg/kg daily). Tyrosine can interact with certain other drugs. Before adding tyrosine supplements to drugs such as Levothroid , levoxyl, unithroid synthroid, or consult with your doctor. Tyrosine may cause a severe increase in blood pressure in people taking antidepressant drugs known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Tyrosine should not be taken at the same time as Levodopa (L-dopa).  The use of tyrosine with L-dopa may lower the effectiveness of L-dopa because they compete for absorption in the small intestine.

Tulsi Benefits and Dosage

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Tulsi (also known as Ocimum sanctum, or Holy Basil), is an Ayurvedic herb historically used for general health and a long life. While basil is found on every continent, holy basil (tulsi) is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. Scientific findings are available on various medicinal aspects ie adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, hepato-protective, cardio-protective, neuro-protective, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic.

Tulsi Benefits and Therapeutic Effects

In traditional systems of medicine, different parts of tulsi, have been recommended for the therapy of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic fever, malaria, dysentery, arthritis, skin diseases, painful eye diseases. Eugenol, the active constituents present in tulsi have been found to be largely responsible for the therapeutic effects. Results from various researches indicate that holy basil might have effects as a painkiller, a COX-II anti-inflammatory agent, an antioxidant, and as a therapy for bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Tulsi helps fight inflammation since it contains strong anti-inflammatory agents called COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) inhibitors, which inhibit COX-2 inflammatory enzymes. In vitro research shows the ursolic acid in tulsi inhibits COX-2.

Asthma

This herb supports healthy pulmonary function. Animal-based studies have found that extracts of tulsi help keep the bronchial airway passages clear. Two clinical trials treated asthma patients with 500 mg of tulsi 3 times daily for one month. Breathing function improved and the frequency of attacks was reduced.

Stress

Tulsi, especially, is an efficacious way to both prevent and combat the damaging effects of everyday stressors. As an adaptogen, tulsi improves the body’s natural protective response to physical and emotional stress. Studies examining this effect of tulsi have found that supplementation with various extracts of tulsi decreases stress hormone levels, corticosterone especially.  Holy Basil Anxiety

Hepatoprotective

There is a lack of safe hepatoprotective medications in modern medicine to prevent and treat drug-induced liver damage. New research on holy basil indicate that holy basil contains potent antioxidants and it may be liver protecting. Holy Basil seems to be beneficial in preventing toxin-induced harm to the liver in doses of 100-200mg/kg bodyweight. Synergism was noted on hepatoprotection when paired with silymarin (milk thistle). The agent used in the study to induce hepatic harm was acetaminophen.

Immunity

Holy basil is considered as a sacred herb and traditionally it is believed that consumption of holy basil leaf on empty stomach increases immunity. Experimental studies have shown that alcoholic extract of holy basil modulates immunity. In a 2011 clinical trial in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, twenty-four healthy participants were given either holy basil extract (300mg ethanolic extract of tulsi leaves – empty stomach) or a placebo. After 4 weeks, results demonstrated important improvements in interferon and T-helper cells in the holy basil group compared to the placebo.

Diabetes

Tulsi may have blood sugar lowering properties and may be beneficial as an adjunct to dietary therapy and medication treatment in mild to moderate diabetes. In a animal-based study, holy basil was administered orally to diabetic rats, resulting in reductions in plasma glucose levels of 9 % by day 15 and 26 % by day 30. An uncontrolled study reported that 1,000 mg per day of tulsi lowered blood sugar. A controlled trial investigated 2,500 mg per day and found similar changes in blood sugar. In a clinical trial, 40 patients (type 2 diabetes) were treated. Participants were asked to stop their diabetes drugs 7 days before the start of the study. Then all participants  were given tulsi leaves for a run-in period of 5 days. Half of the patients were randomly assigned to take 2.5 g of powdered tulsi leaf, and 20 were given placebo for 4 weeks and then were crossed over to the other treatment group without a washout period for another 4 weeks. In the first group, average fasting glucose declined from 134 mg/dl to 99 mg/dl after 4 weeks of therapy with tulsi. After being crossed over to placebo for 4 weeks, it increased to 115 mg/dl. In the placebo-first group, average fasting glucose declined from 132 mg/dl to 123 mg/dl after 4 weeks and then declined even further to 97 mg/dl after being crossed over for 4 weeks to tulsi.

Anti-inflammatory

Holy Basil contains the natural compound ursolic acid, which has proven beneficial in dealing with the inflammatory producing enzymes Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) responsible for joint pain and stress conditions. Research performed by the College of Pharmacy in New Delhi, found that an extract of Holy Basil (ursolic acid) inhibited arachidonic acid and leukotriene-induced edema. On the basis of the results it was proven that standardized Holy Basil extract may be effective as an anti-inflammatory agent, which blocks both inflammatory pathways, ie Cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-Lipoxygenase, as well as arachidonic acid metabolism. A study reported in “Phytomedicine” measured the activity of Tulsi’s phenolic compounds and found the COX-2 inhibitory activity of these compounds to be comparable to aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen.

Anticancer

Preclinical studies have shown that Holy basil and some of its phytochemicals eugenol, apigenin, rosmarinic acid, luteolin, myretenal, ß-sitosterol, and carnosic acid prevented chemical-induced liver, lung, oral, and skin cancers and to mediate these effects by increasing the antioxidant activity, altering the gene expressions, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis. In a 2007 study reported in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers examined the effectiveness of tulsi extract in rats who exhibited oxidative stress, DMBA-induced cancer. Four different concentrations of tulsi extract were fed to rats over a five day period, then were injected with DMBA. At a dosage of 300 mg per kilgram of body weight,tulsi extract significantly reduced the formation of cancerous micronuclei, enzymes which metabolize toxins in the body, and oxidation in both proteins and fats.  A number of studies of animals have shown that holy basil protects healthy cells from the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation.Tulsi has also been shown to protect the heart from damage caused by a widely used chemotherapy medication, adriamycin.

Dosage

For general preventive treatment, the dosage range recommended in review literature is 300 mg – 2,000 milligrams of tulsi extract for a single dose on a daily basis. 600-1,800 mg divided doses has been used daily for curative  treatment. In a clinical study used 2.5 grams tulsi leaves as dried powder in 200 mL water daily for two months for hypoglycemic effect.

Side Effects

Tulsi seems to be well tolerated in most people, and it has usually recognized as safe (GRAS) status in the United States. Tulsi can have a blood-thinning effect and may increase the effect of blood-thinning drugs. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix®). Caution is advised when using drugs that may lower blood sugar. Theoretical interactions would be possible hypoglycemia when taken by diabetics treated with insulin or insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas, Prandin or Starlix.

Holy Basil Anxiety Benefits

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Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Tulsi, is an Indian herb known for its beneficial effects on conditions such as stress and depression. Holy basil is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as an “adaptogen” to counter life’s stresses.

Holy Basil Anxiety Benefits

Stress is associated to many aspects of both physical and mental health. Over time, stress can negatively affect the health of the nervous, immune and digestive systems. Holy basil has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogenic herb to improve the body’s ability to cope with stress. According to a research reported in the Sep 2008 edition of the Nepal Medical College Journal, 500 mg of tulsi extract taken two times a day can significantly reduce the intensity of generalized anxiety disorder. A 1991 study reported in the “Indian Journal of Pharmacology” compared anti-stress effects with those of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus ), found that tulsi was a more powerful herb. A study reported in the 2011 Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences showed that mice given a holy basil extract experienced important reduction in stress levels when compared to mice given ginseng.

In a study reported  in the Nov 2003 edition of the “Indian Journal of Experimental Biology,” tulsi was showed to have calming propertieson the central nervous system that may benefit panic disorder. Holy basil may impact the secretion of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are used in coping with stress. In a study found that animals that received the extract demonstrated significant normalization of epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and MAO. Tulsi herb exerts a calming effect by preventing elevations in the cortisol. Nicknamed the ‘stress hormone’,cortisol production increases in response to chronic stress. A notice reported by the California Naturopathic Doctors Association in 2007 describes tulsi as an helpful factor of reducing the cortisol in individuals experiencing cancer and related depression.

Alcohol extracts of this herb demonstrated important anti stress effects in mice exposed to acute and chronic noise stress. A study using male albino rats, via intraperitoneal administration of 70% ethanolic extract of tulsi, dosed at 100 mg/kg body weight, were able to withstand sub-chronic broadband white noise exposure at 100 dB for 4 hours a day for a total of 15 days. This application of the extract prevented noise-induced  increases in the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin turnover in specific brain regions.

Dosage

Holy basil standardized extract, 400 milligrams daily, for stress and adrenal health. Studies show that taking holy basil at 500 mg twice daily after meals has a important effect in reducing generalized anxiety and depression. Because multiple constituents of holy basil have been shown to combat stress, an efficacious supplement must provide each of these important active components at therapeutic dosages. Researches have shown that eugenol, especially, helps to combat stress and enhance mental clarity.  Also, research has shown that the triterpenoic acids isolated from holy basil effectively improve the body’s response to stress. Holy basil supplements are available as tea, tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts. The best holy basil supplements are in soft-gel capsules.

Neem Benefits and Therapeutic Effects

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The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is an evergreen tree that is part of the mahogany family. The leaves, bark, flowers, and seeds are used to make remedy. Neem leaves have been used traditionally for leprosy, skin ulcers, eye disorders, stomach upset, diabetes,  diseases of the heart and blood vessels, fever, gingivitis, and liver disorders.

Neem Benefits for Health

Neem has been commonly used in traditional Indian ayurvedic, and homoeopathic medicine and has become a cynosure of modern medicine. More than 140 compounds have been isolated from different parts of neem. The therapeutic properties have been described particularly for neem leaf. Neem leaf and its constituents have been showed to exhibit immunomodulatory, antioxidant, nantimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and antihyperglycaemic effects.

Skin

Neem oil relieves dry skin and soothes itchy, red, irritated skin. Neem oil contains high levels of antioxidants, which help protect the skin from free radicals caused by over-exposure to sun, environmental toxins and other damaging factors. A study published in May 2001 (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) scientists found that fatty acids, which are found in neem, provided some protection against ultraviolet light, the cause of photoging. Because neem contains antibacterial effects, it is highly helpful in treating epidermal conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Experiments have shown that people with psoriasis who have taken neem leaf orally, combined with tropical therapy with neem extracts and neem seed oil, achieve results at least as favorable as those who use coal tar and cortisone. A study in 1979 demonstrated neem extract to be beneficial in treating ringworm, scabies, eczema, and some forms of dermatitis.

Antimicrobial

neemNeem seed and leaf have anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral effects. In test tubes, neem has been shown to have important properties on both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms and other bacteria that cause a wide array of human and animal diseases including Escherichia coli, streptococcus and salmonella. A 0.2% concentration of neem had the same anti-bacterial property as penicillin G. Its antiseptic effects help to prevent periodontal diseases. In a scientific review published in the June 2002 edition of the “Current Science“, the authors concluded that neem oil has a wide spectrum of antibacterial action in vitro against fourteen different strains of pathogenic bacteria. In a clinical trial, a cream containing neem seed extract, saponins of Sapindus mukerossi and quinine hydrochloride eliminated all symptoms in 10 of 14 women with chlamydia compared with none of 4 women given placebo cream.

Gum Disease

Neem oil is used in lotions, soaps, shampoos, and toothpastes. It helps treat fungal infections, lice, dry scalp, skin disorders, and gingivitis. Neem oil is frequently added to natural toothpastes as a purifier and as an antimicrobial agent that helps prevent dental diseases. Mouthwashes containing neem can significantly inhibit the growth of the bacteria Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, according to a study reported in the  2001 of the Indian Journal of Dental Research. Applying neem leaf extract gel to the teeth and gums twice  daily for six weeks might reduce plaque formation, according to developing research. In 2004, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology; 36 men were assigned to 6 weeks of therapy with either a gel containing neem extract, or a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine gluconate. Study findings demonstrated that the neem-based gel was more effective in reducing plaque buildup than the mouthwash.

Mosquito Repellent

Some researches demonstrates that neem oil may help protect against insect bites. Neem’s mosquito repellent effects are an important weapon in the fight against malaria in third world countries. In 1994 the the Malaria Research Centre of Delhi, investigated whether kerosene lamps with 1% neem oil can protect people from mosquito bites. Neem oil openly reduced the number of bites on the volunteers and the number of mosquitoes caught. In a study reported in the “Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health” in 1995, researchers discovered that a blend of neem oil and coconut oil may act as a mosquito repellent. Different concentrations of neem oil mixed in coconut oil were applied to the exposed body parts of volunteers. Results showed 81%-91% protection during 12 hour period of observation from the bites of anopheline mosquitoes. In another study, repellent action of neem oil was studied against different mosquito species. 2% neem oil mixed in coconut oil provided 96-100% protection from anophelines, 85% from Aedes, 37.5% from Armigeres whereas it demonstrated wide range of efficacy from 61-94% against Culex spp. A July 2008 study reported in the Malaria Journal shows the 50% reduction in the mosquito population after applying neem seed powder to mosquito breeding areas.

Head Lice

Head louse infestations are prevalent worldwide. Neem effectively kills lice in all stages of their life cycle. An anti-louse shampoo (Licener®) based on a neem was studied in vitro and in vivo on its efficacy to eliminate head louse infestation by a single therapy. In a 2011 study reported in “Parasitology Research“, the hair of 12 children being selected from a larger group due to their intense infestation with head lice were incubated for 10 minute with the neem-based shampoo. It was found that after this short exposition period, none of the lice had survived, when being observed for 22 hour. Other living head lice were in vitro incubated within the undiluted product. It was seen that a total submersion for just 3 minute prior to washing 3× for 2 minute with tap water was sufficient to kill all motile stages.

The eggs (nits) of head and body lice were incubated for 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 45 min into a neem seed extract contained in a fine shampoo formulation (Wash Away® Louse provided by Alpha-Biocare GmbH, Düsseldorf). It was found that an incubation time of just 5 minute was enough to prohibit any hatching of larvae, whilst 93 ± 4% of the larvae in the untreated controls of body lice hatched respectively approximately 76% of the controls in the case of head lice. In a study 60 heavily lice-infested female and male children were selected and subjected to the therapy with a neem seed based shampoo. Twenty to thirty ml of the neem seed extract shampoo were thoroughly mixed with completely wet hair and rubbed in to reach the skin of the scalp. After 10, 15 and 30 minute, the neem shampoo was washed out. The neem seed shampoo proved to be extremely powerful against all stages of head lice. At the pediatric clinic of Iserlohn a study was conducted on a product under the name of “Neem-Extrakt FT-Shampoo”. In this clinical study, children were treated both for head lice and scab mites. With head lice, the therapy was especially successful when the hair was shampooed on the 1st, 3rd and 10th day.

Birth Control

Vaginal suppositories and creams made with neem oil are becoming the birth control method of popular in India. Several studies demonstrated that neem oil appears to be a safe and  effective contraceptive, pre and post coital. When tested against human sperm neem extract at 1000 mg was able to kill all sperm in only 5 minutes and required only 30 minutes at a 250 mg level. Neem oil appears to be the most powerful form of neem for birth control, especially hexane extracted neem oil. After a single injection of a minute amount of neem oil in the uterine horns, a potent cell-mediated immune response reaction produced a long term and reversible block in fertility (up to 12 months).

This herb may become the first  effective birth control “pill” for men. In both India and the United States, studies show neem extract reduces fertility in male monkeys without it hurting libido or sperm production. Neither neem leaf extract in water nor neem leaf oil alters the rate spermatogenesis. But, neem seed oil and neem bark extract caused arrest of spermatogenesis within two months, with a decrease in the number of Leydig cells. Male antifertility activity of neem leaf extract was examined in rats. The infertility effect was seen in treated male rats as there was a 66 % decreased in fertility after 6 weeks, 80% after 9 weeks, and 100% after 11 weeks. Neem leaf tablets ingested for one month produced reversible male antifertility without affecting sperm production or libido. In a test of neem’s birth control properties with members of the Indian Army, daily oral doses of several drops of neem seed oil in gelatin capsules were given to 20 married soldiers. The effect took 6 weeks to become 100% effective, it remained effective during the entire year of the study and was just reversed 6 weeks after a man no longer took the capsules.

Anti-inflammatory

Traditional Indian ayurvedic medicine has recommended the use of neem leaf, seed, and bark, for reducing arthritic pain and inflammation and for halting the progression of the disease. Clinical trials have showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of various compounds in neem leaves are equally as effective as phenyl butazone and cortisone. Neem leaf and bark extracts have been shown to be a more strong inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase than acetylsalicylic acid and pethidine hydrochloride. A study at the Department of Pharmacology at Rajshahi Medical College, scientists found that neem extract has a important effect on inflammation.The anti-inflammatory effects of azadirachtin, the active ingredient in neem oil have been established. A study reported in the February 2010 edition of the Journal of Biological Chemistry demonstrated hat azadirachtin support an anti-inflammatory response in human skin cell lines by blocking the expression of certain enzymes involved in producing inflammation, such as COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 2).

Ulcer

Neem is known to have powerful gastroprotective and antiulcer properties. Standardized aqueous extract of neem leaves has been reported to show both ulcer protective and ulcer healing effects in normal as well as in diabetic rats. The effect of neem extract on gastric ulceration was examined in albino rats. Neem extract (100-800 mg/kg po, 100-25 mg/kg ip) significantly inhibited gastric ulceration induced by indomethacin (40 mg/kg). In a 2004 clinical trial at the “Indian Institute of Clinical Biology” demonstrates neem bark causes important decreases in gastric acid secretion (77%), as well as gastric secretion volume (63%) and pepsin activity (50%). The bark extract when taken at the dose of 30–60 mg twice daily for 10 weeks nearly completely healed the duodenal ulcers monitored by barium meal X-ray or by endoscopy. One case of esophageal ulcer and one case of gastric ulcer healed completely when treated at the dose of 30 mg twice daily for six weeks.

Antiviral

Neem seed and leaf extracts have antiviral effects. Neem acts as an antiretroviral agent via inhibition of viral invasion of host cells. Neem has been shown to be efficacious against herpes virus and the viral DNA polymers of the hepatitis B virus. Research at “Johns Hopkins University” demonstrated that neem “provided significant protection” against the Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in mice infected with the extremely infectious virus. A study in the Aug 2010 edition of the Phytotherapy Research showed that neem bark extract inhibit the entry of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 into the target cells in the lab and may help prevent or treat herpes infections. The antiviral and virucidal effect of an extract of neem leaves was investigated to determine its activity against the Coxsackie B group of viruses. Neem leaves extract inhibited the replication of 6 types of Coxsackie virus B. Observations of virus inactivation and population reduction in the experiment showed that neem was most powerful against Coxsackie virus B-4 early in its replicative cycle. A 2002 research findings that neem leaf extract inhibits the growth of Dengue virus, type 2, a viral hemorrhagic fever related to Ebola. In vitro tests demonstrated it completely inhibited the virus. In vivo tests conducted on mice demonstrated the neem leaf extract resulted in inhibition of the virus as confirmed by the absence of symptoms.  Ten HIV-positive participants were included in a study. Bodyweight, blood cell count, and CD4+ cell count were measured before and after the trial period. All received capsules containing neem extract (1000 mg), once daily for 30 days. The increases in body weight and blood cell count after 30 days was important among all subjects. The scientists also found that neem extract protected 75% of human cells in a test tube from the HIV virus.

Anticancer

Several components found in neem leaves may be helpful in cancer therapy including the  vitamin C, beta carotene  quercetin, azadirachtin, azadirone, deoxonimbolide, kaemferol, nimbolide and glucopyranoside. An ethanolic extract of neem leaf reduced the incidence of chemical-induced gastric tumors in mice; and neem-treated monocytes induced apoptosis in cervical and prostate cancer cells. In India, Japan  and Europe researchers have found that polysaccharides and liminoids in neem bark, leaves and seed oil reduced tumors and cancers and were effective against lymphocytic leukemia. Neem leaf extract demonstrated an adjuvant immune response to tumor growth in mice as well as protection from leucopenia caused by chemotherapy. Neem extract may help kill prostate cancer cells, according to a research reported in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in April 2006. A 2011 research reported in “Cancer Biology and Therapy” showed that neem may offer anti-cancer effects, including immune-stimulating and tumor-suppressing activities. A new research, performed with mice and  rats, showed that the inclusion of a preparation from neem leaf added to an antigen helped create higher quantities of an immune antibody beneficial for shielding against breast cancer.

Side Effects

Don’t take any neem products internally if you are trying to conceive a child. Taking neem oil internally is not recommended, for children. Oral administration of neem oil resulted in serious poisoning in children. These severe adverse effects include  blood disorders, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, brain disorders, and death. Neem oil has been found to produce Reye’s syndrome symptoms in infants who are exposed to neem oils.