Neem oil is thought to be a medicinal plant that can cure some illnesses. With all the marketing messages about neem oil, the question we should ask ourself is, is this the appropriate basis for our notions? If we think it is, then have you considered thinking what does Research results consistently proves and tells us? Consistent proven results that have already been investigated in different occasions deserve to be trusted.
In this post, we present depigmentation concern due to neem oil.
Leukoderma caused by a neem oil product
A case of leukoderma that’s allegedly caused by soap-containing neem oil (Azadirachta indica oil) was reported in 2021. The soap contains aqua, coconut oil, glycerin, and neem oil. The patient was a healthy 71-year-old Japanese female who’s using soap containing neem oil to wash her face and hands for 1 year. Depigmented lesions/ patches occurred on her face, anterior neck, and hand’s dorsum. The test results revealed that she had perivascular and perifollicular inflammatory cell infiltration with melanophages. She had a decrease in melanocytes and a lack of melanin granules.
Since the areas where leukoderma appeared are the parts of her body where the soap was applied and rubbed, it was concluded that the leukoderma was caused by the soap containing neem oil. Hence it was recommended that the patient should discontinue using the soap. Refraining from using the neem soap also stopped depigmentation. Moreover, repigmentation has been observed even though there’s no medication being administered.
How can neem oil cause leukoderma?
The reason why neem can induce leukoderma has been explained in a 2020 study. The paper presented a case of lip (oral and labial mucosal surfaces) depigmentation in 14 patients who were chewing neem twigs or using them to brush their teeth. (2) Neem oil can cause leukoderma because it contains more than 30 substances that have an inhibitory effect on melanogenesis. Aliphatic compounds of phenols and catechols, p-phenylenediamine, and cinnamic aldehyde, are stated to be the chemical constituents of neem that can induce leukoderma because they are toxic to melanocytes. (2) Moreover, neem phytochemical constituents include limonoids azadirachtin of class tetranortriterpenes. (2) Due to the direct melanocytotoxicity of limonoids in neem, it can induce leukoderma.
From the presented reports we can understand that neem is a causative agent that can cause leukoderma. Hence this clearly tells us that neem-containing products is not for everyone.
No matter how much we assume that neem oil is good or must be the preferred option, Research results tell us otherwise because it’s not for all Individuals. Case studies have presented that it has side effects. And a side effect is a side effect. That’s why in different papers, Researchers warned us that ‘we’ should be aware of the side effects and if we know it’s not healthy for us then ‘we’ should avoid it. Aromatherapist Researchers also assured us repeatedly that Certain Essential oils are the right choice we can have because they are truly therapeutic and innocuous.
We repeatedly remind you to please know the characteristics and chemical constituents of your Oil. Knowing this will enable you to understand whether you should worry about a side effect or not. If Research tells you that it is a side effect then it is a side effect, but if Research tells you it’s not, then it is not worthy worrying about.
Focus on us, our betterment, and what will make us grow ❤
References:
- Takayama E, Yoshioka A. A case of leukoderma is probably caused by a soap containing neem oil. Journal of Cutaneous Immunology and Allergy. 2021;4:175–177. https://doi.org/10.1002/cia2.12192
- Jadhav PB. Chemical leucoderma of oral and labial mucosal surfaces from neem [Azadirachta indica]. A case series. Indian Dermatology Online Journal 2020;11:433-5.
Oil Therapy 