Neem-a-possible-magic-pill-for-Covid-1.

Neem (Azadiracta indica) is the most recognized plant in the field of Homeopathy. It comprises about 130 physiologically active components that exhibit magic in preventing bacterial and viral diseases. Might support an effective fight against the coronavirus. It may enhance immunity and can make quicker recovery from COVID-19 infection.

By: Muaz Ameen, Asma Zafar, Asima Batool, Aqsa Mehreen, Iffat Fatima, Athar Mehmood

In the past couple of years, various new viral infections such as SARS, MARS, and Ebola spreading all over the globe. Climate change is making individuals increasingly vulnerable to all infectious illnesses. Persistent mutation makes it challenging to manufacture vaccination.  The recent outbreak of Covid 19 is one of the instances of a worldwide issue created by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It triggers severe and subtle, persistent harm to several organs in humans.

According to multiple types of research, Azadiracta indica is reported to have various characteristics.  It possesses immunomodulatory impact and proinflammatory cytokine inhibition, antifungal, antiviral, antiretroviral, antibacterial, and antimalarial activity. As well as antioxidant and hepatoprotective action. It provides thrombolytic characteristics. It exerts ACE inhibitor activity. According to its docking analysis, it shows strong resistance towards COVID-19 Primary Proteolytic enzymes. As Covid-19 is responsible for severe cytokine storm-generated problems and coagulopathies, the Neem may be effective as a unique Magic cure in Covid-19 from prophylactic and therapeutic perspectives.

Materials and Strategies

Various research papers, publications, articles, and journals have been analyzed to comprehend the prospective significance of neem in the therapy of Covid19.

Neem is extremely widely reported from India and is termed as “Free tree of India”. It is also termed as “40 cures”. ‘Nimba’ is another name of it which means ‘giver of good health’.  In Ayurveda, recognized as a cure of all illnesses.

Leprosy, ocular problems, nose bleed, gastrointestinal disorders, stomach discomfort, lack of appetite, ulcerations, cardiovascular system ailments, temperature, diabetes, gingivitis, and hepatic issues are treated with neem. The leaf is sometimes used to induce miscarriages.

Research publications

Substances identified in Neem can be a comprehensive treatment for Influenza Virus.(Ahmad et al., 2016)

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Neem bark extract seen to have anti-herpes properties glycolipid emanated from the leaves.(Tiwari et al., 2010)

In HIV, Neem is seen to boost CD4 computation and decrease viral load.(Mbah et al., 2007)

It is effective against Dengue type 2 virus, Chickenpox, Smallpox.(Pradani et al., 2019)

Newcastle disease virus was discovered to be suppressed by Neem bark extract.(Shohaimi & geok huai, 2014)

Neem leaves have been found to inhibit the transmission of herpes viruses to uninfected cells.(Tiwari et al., 2010)

In vitro investigations show that neem is antimalarial. A leaves extract was effective against Plasmodium falciparum in both asexual and sexual forms.(Udeinya et al., 2008)

Neem leaves exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative abilities similar to Dexamethasone but not similar to it.(Schumacher et al., 2011)

Neem leaves and seeds may efficiently reduce blood glucose levels with few or no adverse effects. Hepatoprotective and immunostimulant effects are recognized.(Bhat et al., 2011)

Neem is an antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Neem is also proven to lower blood pressure. It also treats lung inflammation.(Arise et al., 2019)

According to research on rat livers damaged by CCl4, neem leaves have therapeutic effects on injured hepatocytes.(Pingale Shirish, 2010)

Chronic smoking causes inflammation in the pulmonary tissue decreased by neem. It protects and heals alveolar cells.(Lee et al., 2017)

Infectious Bursal Disease was examined using Neem extract, utilized in vaccinated and virus-infected cockerels. The usage of leaf extract enhanced the antibody titer in birds and lowered illness symptoms and fatality rates.(Garba et al.)

Neem against COVID-19

Neem leaves include around 100 chemicals. In addition to the 20+ chemicals, additional compounds from leaves have a medium binding affinity (-14.3 kcal/mol to -9.1 kcal/mol) with COVID-19 Main Protease (6LU7).(Subramanian, 2020)

Covid-19 causes severe cytokine storm-induced coagulopathies, blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is also a thrombolytic. Other than its broad-spectrum antiviral effect, Neem may be a single magic pill in mild, moderate, and severe instances of Covid-19.

Neem is a medication that appears to heal Covid 19. Neem’s broad-spectrum antiviral, antiretroviral, antimalarial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, thrombolytic, hepatoprotective, and ACE inhibitor capabilities make it a viable choice against Covid 19.

In vitro experiments using neem leaves showed no toxicity at 6g/kg body weight. Because it boosts immunity and has antioxidant properties, it is safe to ingest in small doses. So it may be prophylactic for Covid-19.

But it’s not known whether the virus stays in the body after a primary infection. Neem possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects, which may avoid lung fibrosis. It may help repair alveolar cells if taken longer after Covid-19. So may be used as a preventative, remedial, and avoid long-term lung consequences in post-Covid-19 patients. It may help repair alveolar cells after Covid-19. But it requires more clinical evidence.

Conclusion

As a natural prophylactic and curative medication, Neem has promise in Covid-19. Contains antiviral properties. Because it boosts immunity and has antioxidant properties, it is safe to ingest in small doses. So it may be a safeguard for Covid-19. Covid-19 causes serious cytokine storm-induced coagulopathies that block pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is also a thrombolytic. So it can help in cytokine storms and their problems. It possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects, which may help prevent lung fibrosis. It may help repair alveolar cells after Covid-19. Thus, Neem may treat mild, moderate, and severe Covid-19. Further in vitro and clinical experiments are required to explore its effect on Covid-19.

Authors: Muaz Ameen, Asma Zafar, Asima Batool, Aqsa Mehreen, Iffat Fatima, Athar Mehmood University of Agriculture Faisalabad

By Muaz Ameen

I'm Muaz Ameen, and I am genuinely captivated by the world of botany. I find immense joy in exploring the intricate wonders of plants and their ecosystems.