Modern scientists are finding even more uses for this remarkable tree. The seeds, bark and leaves contain compounds with proven antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti- ulcer and antifungal uses. Although major studies to conclusively prove neem's effectiveness are limited by financing and the general lack of knowledge in the West about it, preliminary studies suggest exciting uses for neem:

• Psoriasis- Neem seed oil and leaf extracts may be the wonder cure for psoriasis. It relieves the itching and pain while reducing the scale and redness of the patchy lesions.
• Diabetes -Oral doses of neem leaf extracts reduced insulin requirements by between 30% and 50% for nonkeytonic, insulin fast and insulin-sensitive diabetes
• AIDS -The National Institutes of Health reports neem extracts killed the AIDS virus and patents have been awarded for these extracts as an AIDS treatment.
• Cancer- Polysaccharides and limonoids found in neem bark, leaves and seed oil reduced tumors and cancers without side effects.
• Heart disease -Neem delays the coagulation of blood, calms erratic heartbeats and helps reduce elevated heart rates and high blood pressure.
• Periodontal disease -German researchers have proven neem extracts prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.
• Ulcers- Neem extracts give significant protection from discomfort and speed the healing of gastric and duodenal lesions.
• Birth control (women) -Used as a vaginal lubricant, neem oil was up to 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
• Birth control (men)- In India and the United States, trials show neem extracts reduced fertility in male monkeys without inhibiting libido or sperm production, making it potentially the first male birth control pill.
• Malaria- An active ingredient in neem leaves, called irodin A, is toxic to resistant strains of malaria. In vitro studies show 100 percent mortality in 72 hours with a 1:20,000 ratio.
• Insect repellent- Studies have shown that one neem compound is a more effective insect repellent than the widely used synthetic chemical known as DEET (N,N,-diethyl-m- toluamide), a suspected carcinogen with long periods of use.
• Insecticide -Neem extracts have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use on food crops. It is non-toxic to birds, animals, beneficial insects or man and protects crops from over 200 of the most costly pests.

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