Exploring the therapeutic potential of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) for the treatment of prostate cancer: a literature review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Multiple studies have demonstrated the medical potency of plant extracts and specific phytochemicals as therapeutics for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Of note, the Neem plant known for its role as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory is underexplored with an untapped potential for further development. This review focuses on extracts and phytochemicals derived from the Neem tree (Latin name; Azadirachta indica), commonly used throughout Southeast Asia for the prevention and treatment of a wide array of diseases including cancer. To date, there are more than 130 biologically active compounds that have been isolated from the Neem tree including azadirachtin, nimbolinin, nimbin, nimbidin, nimbidol, which have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities including anti-microbial, anti-fertility, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, and anti-cancer effects. Very few scientific reports focus on the benefits of Neem in PCa, even though this herb has been used to prevent the disease and its progression for years in complementary and alternative medicine. METHODS: We used the search engines like PubMed, InCommon and Google using the key words: “Neem”, “Cancer”, “Prostate Cancer” and related words to find the information and data within the time frame from 1980–2022 for our article study. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: Here, we provide an overview of Neem extracts and phytochemical derivatives with a focus on their known potential and ability to inhibit specific cellular signaling pathways and processes which drive PCa incidence and progression. CONCLUSIONS: The information presented here indicate that Neem and its derivatives have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of PCa when used as a single agent or in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics.