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Botanical Briefs: Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica)
Nina Patel1, Michael Knabel1, Jodi Speiser1
1Nina Patel is from the Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois. Drs. Knabel and Speiser and from the Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood. Dr. Knabel is from the Division of Dermatology, and Dr. Speiser is from the Department of Pathology.
Cutis
|March 13, 2024
Summary
Neem (Azadirachta indica) offers medicinal benefits but can cause skin depigmentation. A case study highlights this rare side effect from topical neem oil use for pain relief.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
- Ethnomedicine
Background:
- Azadirachta indica (neem) is widely recognized for its traditional medicinal applications.
- Neem possesses documented pharmacologic and biologic properties relevant to disease management.
Observation:
- A rare clinical case involved a 77-year-old male patient.
- The patient presented with a hypopigmented rash on the lower back, flanks, and buttocks.
Findings:
- The rash developed after six months of consistent topical application of neem oil.
- Neem oil was used to manage persistent arthritis and lower back pain.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential adverse dermatologic effect of topical neem oil.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind neem-induced hypopigmentation.
