Melia
Also known as: Chinaberry tree, Persian lilac, bead tree, Melia, Melia azedarach
Overview
Melia azedarach, commonly known as the Chinaberry tree, is a botanical supplement derived from a tree native to Asia and Australia. Traditionally used in folk medicine, extracts from its leaves, fruits, seeds, and roots are studied for their diverse pharmacological properties. The plant is rich in phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids, which contribute to its reported antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antifertility, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. While preclinical research is moderately mature, high-quality human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and large-scale meta-analyses specifically on Melia azedarach supplements are limited, indicating a need for further clinical validation.
Benefits
Melia azedarach exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily from preclinical studies. Its antidiabetic effects are notable, with animal studies showing Melia leaf extracts reduce plasma glucose and insulin levels, improving glucose homeostasis via insulin sensitization. For instance, in ob/ob diabetic mice, chronic treatment maintained normal glucose levels over three weeks. The plant also demonstrates antifertility properties; in rats, ethanolic extracts reduced libido and prevented pregnancy by 60-75%, likely by inhibiting carbohydrate metabolism enzymes in uterine tissue. Furthermore, it possesses antimicrobial and antiparasitic activity against bacteria, parasites, and nematodes, attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have also been observed in preclinical models, suggesting potential for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Other reported effects, such as anticancer, analgesic, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic activities, require further robust validation.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Melia azedarach's antidiabetic effect appears to be mediated by peripheral tissue insulin sensitization, affecting the liver, adipose tissue, and muscle, rather than directly stimulating insulin release. Its antifertility effects involve the inhibition of key glycolytic enzymes, such as phosphofructokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, within reproductive tissues. The antimicrobial and antiparasitic actions are attributed to various bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which are thought to disrupt microbial cell walls or interfere with their metabolic pathways. Bioavailability data for Melia azedarach extracts are limited, with most studies administering them orally in animal models.
Side effects
Toxicological data for Melia azedarach indicate potential for reproductive toxicity and possible cytotoxicity, particularly at high doses. The most commonly observed side effects in animal studies include reduced libido and fertility, consistent with its antifertility properties. Human safety data are extremely scarce, meaning the full spectrum of adverse effects in humans is not well-documented. There are no well-established drug interactions or contraindications due to the limited clinical research. However, given its demonstrated antifertility effects in animals, caution is strongly advised for pregnant women, those planning pregnancy, or individuals with reproductive health concerns. Due to the lack of comprehensive human safety data, its use should be approached with significant caution.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Melia azedarach due to the lack of clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized a wide range of oral doses, typically from 24 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg, with variations depending on the specific extract type and the desired therapeutic effect. The optimal dose, formulation, and timing for human consumption remain undefined. Furthermore, there is a significant lack of standardization regarding the active constituents in Melia azedarach extracts, which makes it challenging to determine consistent and safe dosages. Without robust human clinical data, upper limits and safety thresholds for human use are also unknown, emphasizing the need for caution.
FAQs
Is Melia azedarach safe for human use?
Limited human data exist; animal studies suggest potential reproductive toxicity. Use with caution, especially if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Does it lower blood sugar?
In animal models, it improves glucose control via insulin sensitization. However, human evidence is needed to confirm this effect.
Can it be used for infections?
Preclinical data support antimicrobial effects, but clinical confirmation in humans is currently lacking.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5365323/ – This animal study on ob/ob diabetic mice demonstrated that Melia leaf extract effectively lowered plasma glucose and insulin levels, leading to improved glucose homeostasis over a three-week period. The findings suggest a potential antidiabetic effect through insulin sensitization in a relevant animal model.
- https://www.ijpsjournal.com/article/Comprehensive+Review+on+Pharmacological+Effect+of+Melia+Azedarach – This narrative review compiles various animal studies, highlighting the antifertility effects of Melia azedarach in rats. It discusses how the plant's extracts inhibit reproductive enzymes, leading to reduced fertility, though it notes the lack of human clinical trials.
- https://www.maejournal.com/article/constituents-pharmacological-and-toxicological-effects-of-melia-azadirachta-a-review – This systematic review synthesizes findings from multiple preclinical studies, detailing the broad pharmacological effects of Melia azedarach, including its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also addresses the plant's phytochemical constituents and toxicological considerations, emphasizing the need for more human data.
