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A large global review has found that nearly one in three pregnant women experience common mental disorders (CMDs) such as anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and psychological distress during pregnancy. The study also identified intimate partner violence as the strongest significant risk factor linked to these mental health conditions.

Researchers analyzed data from 18 studies involving 17,380 pregnant women across Africa, Asia, and South America. The findings revealed that 31.59% of expectant mothers experienced symptoms of CMDs, highlighting a major but often overlooked maternal health crisis.

According to the researchers, mental health problems during pregnancy can affect not only the mother’s emotional well-being but also prenatal care, nutrition, sleep quality, and infant development. Untreated psychological distress may increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight.

“This study reveals a high global burden of common mental disorders among pregnant women, with regional variations. Intimate partner violence was found to be a significant risk factor,” the researchers noted.

The study reviewed observational research published before January 2024 using major international databases including PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and HINARI.

Researchers found notable regional differences in mental health burden during pregnancy:

South America recorded the highest prevalence of CMDs at 40.30%

Africa reported 30.30%

Asia showed a lower but still concerning prevalence of 22.96%

The authors explained that differences in healthcare access, economic stress, social support systems, and cultural attitudes toward mental health may contribute to these regional variations.

Importantly, women exposed to intimate partner violence were found to have approximately 2.6 times higher odds of experiencing mental health disorders during pregnancy compared to women who were not exposed to abuse.

Other factors examined included:

Family history of mental illness

Chronic medical conditions

Emotional abuse

Unplanned pregnancy

Previous abortion history

However, intimate partner violence was the only factor that showed a statistically significant association with CMDs across the pooled analysis.

The researchers emphasized that maternal mental health is closely tied to social safety and emotional support. Fear, emotional trauma, and domestic violence can significantly increase stress during pregnancy, potentially affecting both maternal and fetal health.

“Maternal mental health should not be separated from social well-being and access to healthcare,” the researchers added.

The study also highlighted inconsistencies in mental health screening methods across countries. Different diagnostic tools produced varying prevalence rates, suggesting that the true global burden may be even more complex than current estimates indicate.

Researchers called for better integration of routine mental health screening, counseling services, and violence prevention programs into antenatal healthcare systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries where mental health resources remain limited.

The findings underscore the urgent need for stronger maternal mental health support worldwide. Future research from underrepresented regions may help improve global estimates and guide more effective public health strategies aimed at protecting both mothers and infants.

Summary

Researchers are highlighting the therapeutic potential of the Neem plant, scientifically known as Azadirachta indica, as a possible supportive strategy against COVID-19. The study suggests that an acetone-water extract prepared from Neem leaves may help prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus from attaching to vascular endothelial cells, which are strongly linked to severe COVID-19 complications.

According to the researchers, COVID-19 is not only a respiratory illness but also a vascular disease capable of damaging blood vessels and triggering widespread inflammation throughout the body. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can activate the vascular endothelium, leading to oxidative stress, cytokine storms, thrombosis, and multiple organ dysfunction.

The researchers noted that Neem extracts previously demonstrated broad-spectrum biological activity in laboratory studies. Earlier findings showed that Neem leaf extracts could dislodge malaria-infected red blood cells from blood vessel walls, inhibit cancer cell adhesion, and reduce HIV invasion of immune cells. Based on these observations, scientists hypothesize that Neem extract may also interfere with SARS-CoV-2 attachment mechanisms.

The review further discusses Neem’s rich phytochemical profile, including compounds such as azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbolide, flavonoids, and antioxidants that may possess antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Additional studies referenced in the paper suggest that Neem-derived compounds may interfere with coronavirus replication pathways.

However, the authors emphasize that Neem extract is not yet a proven treatment for COVID-19. They strongly recommend rigorous laboratory experiments, in-vitro confirmation studies, and controlled clinical trials to verify its safety, dosage, and effectiveness before any medical application.

Another review also highlighted Neem’s antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties while stressing that more clinical evidence is necessary before Neem-based therapies can become part of evidence-based COVID-19 management strategies.

Key Findings

Neem leaf extract may help block SARS-CoV-2 attachment to vascular endothelial cells.

COVID-19 severity is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and cytokine storms.

Neem extracts previously showed activity against malaria cytoadherence, HIV invasion, and cancer cell adhesion.

Bioactive compounds such as nimbin and nimbolide may contribute antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.

Researchers recommend detailed laboratory testing and large-scale clinical trials before therapeutic use.

Conclusion

Azadirachta indica demonstrates promising antiviral and anti-inflammatory potential against COVID-19.

Neem leaf extracts may protect vascular endothelial cells and reduce excessive inflammatory responses linked to severe disease.

Existing evidence mainly comes from laboratory findings, molecular studies, and preliminary observations.

Large-scale clinical trials are still required to confirm effectiveness, safety, proper dosage, and long-term outcomes.

Researchers believe Neem could become an affordable supportive therapeutic option for populations with easy access to the plant, especially in developing regions.

References

Eze, M. O., Ejike, C. E. C. C., Ifeonu, P., Udeinya, I. J., Udenigwe, C. C., & Uzoegwu, P. N. (2022). Anti-COVID-19 potential of Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf extract. Scientific African, 16, e01184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01184