Aloe (Aloe vera) vs Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Aloe (Aloe vera)

Neem (Azadirachta indica)

About

Aloe vera (syn. A. barbadensis) is a succulent commonly grown as a potted plant, notable for its thick, fleshy leaves that contain two distinct medicinal components. Historically, the inner clear gel was used for skin conditions and to promote wound healing (NCCIH), while the bitter yellow sap from the leaf base, often called “bitter aloes,” is a strong laxative.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a large evergreen tree with compound leaves and white flowers, known in India as the “village pharmacy”. It is used in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine for skin conditions and stomach ailments; MSK says studies on its safety and effectiveness are lacking.

Safety & precautions

The outer leaf sap contains anthraquinone glycosides (like aloin) that act as a strong stimulant laxative; NCCIH notes that in 2002 the FDA required aloe latex to be removed from over-the-counter laxative products because of a lack of safety data. Liver: Oral aloe leaf extracts have been tied to cases of acute hepatitis (NCCIH), and LiverTox rates oral aloe a likely but rare cause of liver injury. Pregnancy: NCCIH says aloe gel, latex, or whole leaf extract taken by mouth may be unsafe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Some herbalists advise that children and older adults not drink aloe juice containing the strong laxative compounds. Avoid internal use if suffering from kidney disease or hemorrhoids. Concentrated or unfiltered products (containing the outer rind) can be irritating.

Children & Pregnancy: Avoid internal use. MSK warns that swallowing neem oil has caused severe poisoning in both children and adults. Internal Use: Take internally only under professional supervision. Fertility: Neem can affect both male and female fertility.

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