How does Himalayan Neem work medicinally?

Himalayan Neem (Picrasma quassioides) exerts its effects through picrasidine alkaloids, quassinoids, and beta-carboline alkaloids. These compounds demonstrate antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. The bitter principles stimulate digestive secretions and bile flow, supporting liver function. In Sowa Rigpa tradition, its bitter taste clears heat and dries dampness, addressing skin infections, fever, and digestive stagnation. The quassinoids contribute to its antimicrobial action against various pathogens. Evidence level: B.

Does Himalayan Neem interact with any medications?

Specific drug interaction studies for Himalayan Neem are limited. Due to its effects on gastric secretions and liver metabolism, it may alter the absorption or metabolism of certain medications. Patients taking antidiabetic drugs should monitor blood glucose closely, as bitter herbs can affect glucose metabolism. Those on immunosuppressant therapy should exercise caution due to potential immunomodulatory effects. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications. Evidence level: C (theoretical).

What is the recommended dosage for Himalayan Neem?

The traditional adult dosage for Himalayan Neem is 3-9 grams daily, typically prepared as a decoction or taken as powder. Lower doses are recommended initially, with gradual increases based on individual tolerance and therapeutic response. Due to its intensely bitter nature, taking it after meals may reduce gastric irritation. This herb should be used under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or Sowa Rigpa practitioner. Evidence level: B.

Is Himalayan Neem safe during pregnancy?

Himalayan Neem is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be strictly avoided. The bitter alkaloids and quassinoids may stimulate uterine contractions and pose a risk of miscarriage. In Tibetan medicine, its heat-clearing and drying properties are considered inappropriate during pregnancy, when preserving warmth and nourishment is essential. Breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb due to insufficient safety data. Evidence level: Traditional contraindication.

What are the side effects of Himalayan Neem?

Common side effects of Himalayan Neem include nausea and gastric irritation, primarily due to its intensely bitter constituents. These effects are typically dose-dependent and may be minimized by taking the herb with food. Individuals with gastric conditions such as ulcers or acid reflux may experience worsened symptoms. Those with cold deficiency conditions in Tibetan medicine should avoid this herb, as its cooling properties may aggravate such constitutions. Evidence level: B.

Himalayan Neem (Picrasma quassioides)

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Picrasma quassioides is an Asian shrub used in traditional medicine with demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective pharmacological activities [PMID:34659503, PMID:32858812].

Contexte

Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn is a member of the Simaroubaceae family commonly grown in Asia, the Himalayas, and India [PMID:32858812, PMID:35783065]. It is recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopeia as Kumu [PMID:38964561].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used to treat fever, gastric discomfort, pediculosis [PMID:32858812], inflammation, microbial infection, and dysentery [PMID:31520892]. It is also used for anemopyretic cold, eczema, nausea, loss of appetite, diabetes mellitus, hypertension [PMID:32606152], and skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scabies, and boils [PMID:38789093].

Composés actifs

The plant contains a complex mixture of phytochemicals, primarily alkaloids (including β-carbolines, canthinones, and alkaloid dimers), quassinoids, and terpenoids (such as tirucallane and apotirucallane triterpenoids) [PMID:32858812, PMID:34768188, PMID:27494664]. Specific active ingredients include methylnigakinone [PMID:35870280] and canthin-6-one [PMID:35472694].

Mécanisme d'action

Anticancer effects are mediated via the ROS-mitochondrial axis activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in cervical cancer cells [PMID:32606152] and by inhibiting the EMT process through upregulation of E-cadherin and ZO-1 and downregulation of beta-catenin and Snail in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [PMID:37686036]. Neuroprotective effects occur via suppression of cell apoptosis and downregulation of caspase-3 activation [PMID:30917277], and by ameliorating LPS-induced astrocyte activation to protect the blood-brain barrier [PMID:35472694]. Anti-inflammatory activity is associated with the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-6 production [PMID:21372418].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DAlzheimer's Disease

EtOAc extract of stems improved memory and cognitive abilities in amyloid-β peptide-induced AD mice and showed neuroprotective activities in vitro [PMID:31520892]

Preuve DRheumatoid Arthritis

Total alkaloid extract delivered via hyaluronic acid decorated lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles showed anti-inflammatory activity in collagen-induced arthritis rats [PMID:37023852]

Preuve DHepatocellular Carcinoma

Medicated serum of P. quassioides exerts an inhibitory effect on the growth of HCC cells [PMID:40092104]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Total alkaloid extracts have been noted to have high toxicity with an IC50 of 8.088 ± 0.903 μg/ml [PMID:37023852].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro cell studies, in silico computational modeling, and animal models (mice and rats). There are no human clinical trials provided; therefore, the overall strength of evidence for clinical application is low (Level D).

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 34659503 (2021) — Pharmacological effects of Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn for inflammation, cancer and neuroprotection (Review). · Experimental and therapeutic medicine
2.PMID: 32858812 (2020) — Phytochemistry, Traditional Use and Pharmacological Activity of Picrasma quassioides: A Critical Reviews. · Nutrients
3.PMID: 39170506 (2024) — Progress in the study of chemical composition, biological activity, and its metabolism of the Picrasma quassioides. · Heliyon
4.PMID: 34768188 (2022) — Alkaloids from Picrasma quassioides: An overview of their NMR data, biosynthetic pathways and pharmacological effects. · Phytochemistry
5.PMID: 31520892 (2019) — Effects of Picrasma quassioides and its active constituents on Alzheimer's disease in vitro and in vivo.

Himalayan Neem

Sources et citations

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Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Himalayan Neem

Sources et citations

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Cat's Claw

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Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales