13 replies to this topic

[Galaxyshock]

Interesting review paper on plant anxiolytics (pdf):

http://nopr.niscair....(5) 476-483.pdf

I recently bought a cheap bottle of capsuled Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica) just to see if it would do something for my skin problems. I didn't even know it may have anxiolytic effects but after starting the consume of the plant (couple of capsules [1 gram of the whole herb] with meals 3 times a day) yesterday the rest of the day went with profound easiness and my anxiety was very low (can't be placebo since I had no idea of the anxiolytic potential?). I took 4 capsules (2 grams of the whole herb) with my breakfast today and I'm again feeling very nice but not really sedated. It's smooth and soft!

I searched google scholars and found a rat study:
http://europepmc.org...act/MED/7959927

The extract was found to produce significant antianxiety effects (in low doses) comparable to diazepam (1 mg/kg). Yet in high doses it did not show anxiolytic activity. So here's a plant producing benzo-like anxiolysis without abuse potential? Of course one rat study and my personal experiences are not much yet but there is something to it. Its effect can't be direct GABA-agonism since the effect disappears in high doses?

Another study showing neuroprotective effects:
http://europepmc.org...ct/MED/15670613

Edited by Galaxyshock, 02 November 2012 - 08:00 AM.

[dear mrclock]

from what i read about neem leaf and its not much but few sources stating its not for consumption was enough for me to avoid this. it seems to have always been used topically or as insecticide or antibacterial. dunno if you are doing a good thing ingesting it....

[Galaxyshock]

It's commonly used as a vegetable in India and Southeast Asia and Neem has long history of traditional medicinal use so I can't see it being that dangerous. Various parts of the Neem tree are used for different purposes so perhaps some of them aren't good for consumption. I know it's also commonly used as ingredient in topical products. The Neem oil has some evidence of being harmful when consumed excessively.

[dear mrclock]

"The Neem oil has some evidence of being harmful when consumed excessively" thats mildly putting it. its extremely toxic if you consume that shit. it says to be quite potent natural pesticide or bacteriocide, fingicide whatever. what i checked about this is, the active ingredients possibly causing any of the proposed beneficial effects are indeed concentrated in the neem oil at best. SO, make your own conclusion on how you deal with this situation.

[Galaxyshock]

Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of the neem. Not from the leaves. I'm obviously not consuming the oil.

[dear mrclock]

ok try higher dose on emoty stomach maybe and report effects after 1-2 day use. i wonder if there is any definitive anxyolitic activity.

[Galaxyshock]

Since I'm still struggling with my post-acute withdrawal symptoms of abusing several GABAergics (especially phenibut), I can't be entirely sure how are the effects since my anxiety tends to fluctuate and my response to different substances can be distorted. But since beginning to consume Neem I've now experienced several moments of being absolutely at peace like any anxiety being stopped in it's very tracks. I would notice those anxiety-driven thoughts slightly start emerging and would just think "that's nonsense" and they would be gone.

In the original post I mentioned about a study where it was concluded that in high doses Neem actually loses its anxiolytic effects so high-dosing it doesn't sound relevant. I would like to people with anxiety problems give Neem Leaf a try and report here if they get effects from it. There could be something to it.

Edited by Galaxyshock, 05 November 2012 - 01:19 PM.

[dear mrclock]

somehow i got negative rating for my previous post not sure why. anyway, whats your source ? i should see about it....

[dear mrclock]

checked. definately makes me sleepy. i was expecting type of benzo feel to it, like sedative euphoria but none of that. this is quite dull anxyolytic in fact. i took like 2-3 grams to feel the effects. and it just made me sleepy, didnt change mood AT ALL. completely useless unless it comes out with new studies that indicate it does something positive for you in long term.

Edited by dear mrclock, 09 November 2012 - 07:58 AM.

[Galaxyshock]

I think at 2-3 grams it does make me sleepy and lightheaded too after couple of hours. 1 gram is quite ideal for daytime and can be taken several times through out the day, I still feel benefits at that dose but it's smooth and not dulling. I feel like it "works in the background" and the effect comes gradually over the course of several hours. I might even forget I took it and then notice the anxiety-driven thinking never emerges. Altough being "dull anxiolytic" isn't necessary bad thing, you won't end up abusing or trying to get high from it. Maybe it could also work as a sleep aid. Also, taking some smooth stimulant like Ginkgo could combine really well with it.

Edited by Galaxyshock, 09 November 2012 - 09:41 AM.

[Galaxyshock]

I took 3 grams before bed last night, slept deeply for 9½ hours.
I usually get around 8 hours of sleep and wake up with anxiety and my bowel making slightly painful movements (PAWS symptoms). None of these this time.

[dear mrclock]

thats great it works for you. i took about same dose with beer while ago, and when i went to bed fell asleep and couldnt get up next day. by itself it makes me sleepy but i cant sleep, when mixed with other sleep aids like beer or w/e i feel like shit.

[FrankEd]

There are some ayurvedic foruns around where doctors point that long-term use of Neem can cause impotency and it´s advised to take only for 15 consecutive days or it can cause dryness.

One can googling and confirm.

[Galaxyshock]

Ok good to know that it's possible side effect. Is it the Neem leaf exactly or some other part of the plant to cause it? I already run out of Neem leaf yesterday though. I got new bottle coming but it'll take couple of weeks and I may take a longer break from it now anyway.