Exploring Neem (Azadirachta indica) for Antidermatophytic Activity

Abstract

Azadiracchta indica A. Juss. (Neem) is a perennial tree belonging to Meliaceae family. Neem has special importance in various traditional systems of medicine in India and is known to be the “Panacea for all diseases.” All parts of the neem tree—leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark—have been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders. The current chapter deals with the application of neem products in treatment of skin diseases. Skin diseases are normally the results of infection due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Scientific research has proved the antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial and, hence, antidermatophytic effects of different parts of the plant. Neem compounds have proven their potential in treatment of athlete’s foot, ringworm and candida infections. Recent studies revealed the antidermatophytic effects of neem compounds against various fungal genera—Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton that commonly cause skin disease. Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mites were collected from skin scrapings obtained from seven crusted scabies patients over a period of 2 years. Larvae, nymphal instars and adult mites were tested within 3 h of collection and continuously exposed to selected commercially available treatment products until death, with the elapsed time recorded.