Fact Check: Neem Leaves Powder Isn’t COVID-19 Cure; Viral Post Is Fake, As Per Experts

New Delhi (Vishvas News): A viral post on social media claims that neem leaves powder can cure coronavirus within hours. Vishvas News investigated and found that there is no evidence that suggests neem leaves can cure coronavirus within hours, as per health experts.

Claim

A post shared on Twitter by a user named ‘amaan salam’ reads: Neem leaves powder can cure corona within hours please share this video allah had blessed us with the corona vaccine. The archived version of the post can be checked here.

Investigation

We started our investigation by searching reports online on whether coronavirus can be cured by neem leaves powder.

 We found an infographic by the Malaysia Ministry of Health. The infographic stated that it is a myth.

The advisory stated the following myths related to Neem:

“Myths 
– Traditionally, neem leaves are used for various fever and infections; 
– Can be used on humans to treat COVID-19 outbreak; 
– Can stimulate immune cells or the body’s self-defense; 
– No side effects and safe for usage.”

As per WHO, while some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of mild COVID-19, there are no medicines that have been shown to prevent or cure the disease. 

Vishvas News spoke to Dr. Vimal N of Ministry of AYUSH. As per him, neem has certain medicinal properties but it isn’t a COVID-19 cure.

Dr. Nikhil Modi, Pulmonologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital also denied the claim by calling it fake news.

The post is shared on Twitter by a user named amaan salam. Upon scanning the profile of the user we found that the user’s profile has been created in August 2018.

Conclusion

There is no evidence supporting neem leaves powder can cure novel coronavirus. The viral post is fake, according to the health experts.

Disclaimer: The #CoronavirusFacts database records fact-checks published since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic and its consequences are constantly evolving and data that was accurate weeks or even days ago might have changed. Remember to check the date when the fact-check you are reading was published before sharing it.