Title: Plant contraceptives: translating folklore into scientific application.

POPLINE Document Number: 052886

Author(s):

Chaudhury RR

Source citation:

In: Advances in international maternal and child health. Volume 5, 1985, edited by D.B. Jelliffe and E.F.P. Jelliffe. Oxford, England, Clarendon Press, 1985. :58-74.

Abstract:

There are hundreds of antifertility plants in as many countries around the world. The information on these plants can be traced to a number of sources. Books have been written on Indian, Chinese and other medical systems that refer to plants used for contraception. In almost all countries folklore exists regarding the use of herbs in birth control. In some cases the practice is passed down through families for generations. Tests indicate that there are possible antifertility properties present. Many travelers, including botanists, missionaries, scientists, and doctors, observed this use of plants. In various areas of the world this information may be lost if it is not recorded. Recent research shows hundreds of plants have been tested and given clinical trials. There are 11 plants tested with animals that show 100% anti- implantation activity. They are Aristolochia indica, Curcuma longa, Cuminum cymimium, Daucus carota, Embelia ribes, Ensete superbum, Hyptis sauveolens, Mentha arvensis, Podocarpus brevifolia, Polgonium hydropiper, and Sapindus trifoliatus. Other plants have given us belladonna, digitalis, cinchona, reserpine, carbenoxolone, and vincristine. Further studies and testing should lead to the discovery of some effective oral herbal contraceptives.

Keywords:

Plants, Medicinal
Folklore
Contraception Research
Literature Review
Medicine, Traditional
Medicine
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Culture
Contraception
Family Planning