Neem as a Natural Preservative in Postmortem Care: A Case Report

This report explores the potential role of neem (Azadirachta indica) as a natural postmortem preservative. A 33-year-old male who died due to drowning was brought for autopsy several days after death, covered entirely in neem leaves by his family. Despite the delay, decomposition was notably less advanced than typically expected, with reduced skin slippage, bloating, and putrefactive odor. This observation suggests neem's antimicrobial and antifungal properties may help delay postmortem changes. In resource-limited or culturally specific settings, neem may offer a temporary, plant-based alternative to traditional preservation methods, warranting further scientific investigation.