HERBAL CONTRACEPTIVE: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Human fertility control is one of the major approaches which seem effective in controlling population. Many potential methods have been adopted to induce infertility including hormonal and chemical methods. Traditional use of medicinal plants and their extracts have become widely known among society for various diseases including fertility related problems. Considering women healthcare, it has become important to use herbal antifertility agents which can interfere with the natural procedure of reproduction in women. Modern research includes the use of various plant extracts having antifertility action in various ways. Numerous herbs have been tested for their contraceptive activity on different animal models. These herbal contraceptives are found to be ecofriendly, can be easily available and affordable even in rural areas. They are more effective but less potential than synthetic drugs. The effect of these drugs on the endocrine and reproductive system was studied. This review mainly deals with the profiles of plants having antifertility and antiovulatory action reported from year 1993-2013. As it is directed towards antiovulatory effect, so the regulation of female reproductive system, mechanism of action of medicinal plants, their effect, active ingredients and extraction procedures are also discussed here which will surely help in further research and practices.

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HERBAL CONTRACEPTIVE: AN OVERVIEW
Kumud Bala1*, Mahima Arya,2 Deepshikha Pandey Katare3
*1,2,3Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida-201303, U.P.
ABSTRACT
Human fertility control is one of the major approaches which seem
effective in controlling population. Many potential methods have been
adopted to induce infertility including hormonal and chemical
methods. Traditional use of medicinal plants and their extracts have
become widely known among society for various diseases including
fertility related problems. Considering women healthcare, it has
become important to use herbal antifertility agents which can interfere
with the natural procedure of reproduction in women. Modern research
includes the use of various plant extracts having antifertility action in
various ways. Numerous herbs have been tested for their contraceptive activity on different
animal models. These herbal contraceptives are found to be ecofriendly, can be easily
available and affordable even in rural areas. They are more effective but less potential than
synthetic drugs. The effect of these drugs on the endocrine and reproductive system was
studied. This review mainly deals with the profiles of plants having antifertility and
antiovulatory action reported from year 1993-2013. As it is directed towards antiovulatory
effect, so the regulation of female reproductive system, mechanism of action of medicinal
plants, their effect, active ingredients and extraction procedures are also discussed here which
will surely help in further research and practices.
Key words: ecofriendly, antifertility, antiovulatory.
INTRODUCTION
A rapid growth in population is one of the major and critical problem of developing countries
like India and that would be increased upto major extent by year 2050. This increment
imbalances the whole system of society and the economy of country. It is then, the leading
cause of poverty and pollution in developing countries. Over population throughout the world
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Article Received on
15 May 2014,
Revised on 27 June
2014,
Accepted on 26 July 2014
*Correspondence for Author
Dr. Kumud Bala
Amity Institute of
Biotechnology, Amity
University, Noida-201303, U.P

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Bala et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
has disastrous effect on life supporting system. So, human fertility must be controlled to
control the population.(Umadevi et al, 2013)
To control the population, the World Health Organization (WHO) has started a programme
that includes studies on traditional medical practices. (Kaur et al, 2011) Several hormonal
contraceptives have been developed and practiced till date but they did not meet the demand
of developing countries as they are chemical based, expensive, sophisticated and have some
side effects. Some herbal contraceptives have also been developed but again they are less
potential for human beings. Due to these problems, people are now looking for the use of
herbal medicines against various diseases and for controlling fertility (Patil and Patil, 2013)
Nearly 80% of the world populations rely on traditional medicines for primary health care, so
research is in progress for the development of herbal antifertility agents which are socially
and culturally acceptable, having better compatibility with humans, lesser side effects and
more effective than the chemical compounds (Kaur et al, 2011)
The risks associated with the synthetic steroidal contraceptives triggers the need of
developing antifertility agents from medicinal plants. As we have concerned about the human
issues and it has not been reported any of the antiovulatory drug having only herbal
ingredients till date so, it is necessary to develop purely herbal drug having high efficacy and
that will not have any adverse effects on the reproductive system.
Problems associated to chemical based drugs
Synthetic or chemical based drugs can interfere with the endocrine system and produce
reproductive, neurological, developmental and metabolic effects in body. These compounds
may have negative effects on the synthesis, secretion, transport and activity of natural
hormones. They disturb the normal hormone level either by inhibiting the production and
metabolism of hormones or by blocking the hormonal action. Some examples are mentioned
below:
 Pesticides, Phthalates, Plasticisers inhibit the production of androgen which in turn affects
the male sexual development.
 Alklyphenols, Bisphenol A, Dioxins, heavy metals, fungicides, insecticides stops the
synthesis of estrogen and progesterone and thus, affects the female sexual development.
These chemicals has shown some other adverse effects on the reproductive system such as
 Infertility on temporary or permanent basis

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 Toxicity to gonads
 Testicular germ cell cancer
 Breast/ Prostate cancer
 Birth defects and brain developmental problems.
 Endometriosis
 Early puberty
It was studied that prenatal exposure of Bisphenol A causes irregular reproductive cycle in
mice due to the alteration in hypothalamic secretions which directly controls secretion of
leutinizing hormone and thus, ovulation. ( Schug et al, 2011) Due to these reasons, naturally
originated drugs are more preferred these days.
Need of Herbal Contraceptives
Traditional herbal drugs and their formulations generally involve the use of extracts of
medicinal plants. Most of the world’s contraceptive users are women. As women from rural
areas and developing countries found difficulty in accessing modern contraceptives So,
Herbal contraceptives provides an opportunity for them to use cheap, potential and efficient
drugs having lesser side effects, particularly to the women living in the rural areas in
developing nations with very high population like India, China, Africa and Bangladesh.
Herbal medicines requires a testing for its efficacy and effectiveness since they do carry
minor risks (Firenzuoli and Gori, 2007)
A number of medicinal plants have been used for contraception. There are various medicinal
plants that have shown their action against various severe diseases including cancer,
HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's, malaria and some of them were tested for the antifertility properties.
Various herbs have been used from a long time to induce infertility, and modern research has
tested and confirmed anti-fertility effects in most of the herbs. During the last few years, the
use of herbal medicine has been fastly growing all over the world. But these herbs have a
cumulative effect on body. They need to be taken on the daily basis to maintain the
contraceptive effect for eg. Wild yam , neem used in the form of pills, vaginal foam, creams
etc. A medicinal plant contains certain ingredients that are active in treating and preventing
number of diseases. The high cost of modern drugs, unavailability in remote areas and severe
side effects have increased the demand of herbal medicines which are obtained from the plant

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extracts. The active compounds from plant extracts has been isolated for the preparation of
particular drug (Balunas et al, 2005)
Brief description of Female Reproductive system
A pair of ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina, external genitalia in the pelvic region and
the mammary glands constitutes the female reproductive system. These organs support the
process of ovulation, pregnancy and fertilization. Ovaries are the primary female sex organs
that produces the female gamete i.e. ovum and different steroidal hormones, primarily called
Ovarian hormones. Primary oocytes are formed initially, which when surrounded by the
layer of granulose cells forms Primary follicle. Increment in layers of granulose cells and
further formation of theca cells together forms Secondary follicles. It transforms into tertiary
follicles having fluid filled cavity which then changes into mature follicle called Graafian
follicle. During mid-menstrual cycle, due to rapid secretion of Leutinizing hormone, graffian
follicle ruptures and ovum gets released from the ovary by the process called Ovulation.
The changing levels of pituitary and ovarian hormones induce some changes in the
functioning of ovary and uterus. Gonadotrophin Releasing hormones ( GnRH) are secreted
from the hypothalamus which triggers the anterior pituitary to release Leutinizing hormone
(LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH is responsible for the development of
follicles and secretes estrogen. The instant release of LH leads to the LH surge that induces
the rupture of Graafian follicle and thus, the release of ovum.
Ovulation occurs, ovum enters into fallopian tubes. The corpus luteum remains in the ovary,
is responsible for the secretion of progesterone. Estrogen starts thickening the endometrium
in uterus . Increasing levels of estrogen and progesterone hinders the production of LH and
FSH. Corpus luteum degenerates in the absence of fertilization. Decrease in estrogen results
in menstrual flow and secretion of LH and FSH again from the anterior pituitary.
The cyclic increase or decrease in the level of LH and FSH stimulates the ovarian target cells
by adjoining with their specific receptors on the ovarian cell membrane. The receptors, thus
gets activated and the growth, secretion and proliferation of cells increases. These stimulatory
effects results from the activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate second messenger
system in the cytoplasm that leads to the formation of protein kinase and multiple
phosphorylations of key enzymes that triggers the synthesis of sex hormones. The growth of
primary follicle is stimulated by FSH. This growth is then speed up to release secondary
follicles due to number of reasons.

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(1) Estrogen stimulates the granulosa cells to produce more number of FSH receptors; this
leads to the positive feedback effect.
(2) The FSH and estrogens in combination, activates the LH receptors on the original
granulosa cells, it allows stimulation of LH and creates more rapid increase in follicular
secretion.
(3) The increasing estrogens and LH acts together to cause multiplication of the follicular
thecal cells and their secretion which further leads to the atresia that allows only one of the
follicles to mature enough to ovulate in each month.
FSH and LH causes the rapid swelling of the follicle before ovulation. The ovulation is
initiated by LH surge and causes rapid release of progesterone. Two more events also occurs
during this process which are necessary for ovulation:
a) The follicular capsule secretes proteolytic enzymes from lysosomes which leads to
dissolve and weakening of follicular wall, resulting in swelling of follicle and degeneration.
b) Simultaneously, the new blood vessel starts forming into the follicle wall, alongwith the
secretion of prostaglandins.
These two effects contributes to the follicle rupture and ovum discharges (Guyton and Hall,
2006)
Leutinizing hormone
Follicular hormones
(progesterone)
Proteolytic enzymes Prostaglandin Secretion
Follicular wall weakening Plasma transudation
into follicle
Degeneration of stigma Follicle swelling
Follicle Rupture
Release of ovum
Mechanism of Ovulation (Guyton and Hall, 2006)\

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Mechanism of action of herbal drugs
Medicinal plants may induce infertility in distinct ways. They may effect on ovary, uterus,
hormone production, inhibition of hormonal action, interfere with implantation, sperm
production. Some of them prevents fertilization by generating a protective layer around an
egg. On the basis of these actions, the plants can be divided into different categories as
S.No. Plants Mode of Action on reproductive system
1. Antifertility plants Prevents fertilization
2. Antiovulatory plants Inhibits ovulation
3. Anti-implantation plants Blocking implantation
4. Abortifacient plants Causing early abortion
 Antifertility drugs are the drugs that obstruct the formation of gametes and interfere with
the process of fertilization.
 Antiovulatory drugs are the antifertility agents that induce infertility by suppressing the
ovulation. These drugs are incorporated either orally or by injection.
 Anti-implantation drugs are the agents that prevent the attachment or penetration of
fertilized ovum into the uterus.
 Abortifacients are those substances which causes early expulsion of foetus. (Kabra et al,
2013).
Active Ingredients present in medicinal plants
As far as we are concerned with the herbal drug, so the medicinal plant extracts can be used
as a drug in its purified form to induce infertility. It is also known that the active ingredients
present in plants that would be helpful in obtaining drug could be Alkaloids, Glycosides,
Saponins, Tannins, Terpenoids, Isoflavonoids etc. Out of which, Alkaloids are one of the
abundant group of secondary metabolites which are responsible to cure certain diesases like
malaria, diabetes , cancer, diarrhea, hypertension etc. and also used in local anaesthesia and
pain relief. It was observed that alkaloids are the only phytoconstituents that may be
responsible for altering the reproductive systems in animals & human, in plants studied
before.
For instance, Areca catechu contains alkaloids namely arecoline, pilocarpine, and
muscarine. Claviceps-purpurea contains ergometrine, ergotamine, ergocristine,
ergoflavin, ergotic acid betaine, clavicepsin, lactic acid. Rauwolfia serpentine has Indole-
alkaloid, Ajmalin, Serpentine, rescinnanine, yohimbine, ajmalicine, reserpinine.
Solanum marginatum has Steroidal alkaloids- Solasodine. Cissampelos sympodialis

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contains Wariftene, Milonine. These plants have antifertility activity tested on various
animal models. A number of plants were studied with their known bioactive compound and
these active ingredients have been reported to have an antifertility, antiovulatory,
antiimplantation, abortifacient effect on animals (Choudhury and Jadhav, 2013).
Certain plants having antifertility, antiovulatory and related activities are tabulated as
follows:
S.No. Botanical
Plant Common
Name Component
used Solvent
used Activity Effect
Active
Ingredients
involved
Author/
year
1. Papaver
sominiferum Aphima Latex Alcoholic
extract Antiovulato
ry
Decreased
production of
gonadotrophin
s
Noscapine
alkaloid
Ibrahim
Bulduk et
al., 2013
2.
Musa
paradisiaca Banana stem Ethanolic
extract Antiovulato
ry
Suppressed
ovulation due
to inhibition
in secretion of
GnRH.
Alkaloids,
flavanoids Soni et al,
2013
3. Withania
somnifera ashwagandha Stem Stem,
ethanolic
extract
Antifertility
,
spermicidal
Decreased
sperm
motility,
sperm density
Alkaloids Shekhawat
et al, 2013
4. Ailanthus
excelsa Maharukha leaves Ethanolic
extract Antiimplant
ation
Decreased no.
of implant
sites
sitosterol,
Quassinoids
,Ailantic
acid
Tamboli et
al, 2013
5. Carica
Papaya Papaya Seeds Ethanolic
extract Antisperma
togenic
Reduced
spermatogene
sis, inhibition
in steroidal
hormones
caricacin,
carpasemine,
oleanolic
glycoside,
sinigrin
Changamm
a et al,
2013
6. Citrus medica Bijaura Seeds Petroleum
ether
extract
Antiimplant
ation,
antiovulator
y,
abortifacien
t
Increased
ovarian
weight,
decreased
graffian
follicles,
irregular
estrous cycle
Citroflavanoi
ds,
glucosides,tri
terpenoids
Taha et al,
2012.
7. Annona
squamosa Custard apple Seeds, leaves,
bark
Ethyl
acetate
extract
Abortifacie
nt Induces early
abortion
Atrophine
alkaloids,
Anonaine
Vijayalaxm
i et al.,
2011
8. Curcuma
longa Haldi Rhizome propylene
glycol
solution
Antifertility
,Antiovulat
ory
Decreased
ovarian
weight,
suppression of
GnRH
Curcumin,
flavanoids Amit et al.,
2011
9. Cassia fistula Sunari Fruits, bark Aqueous
extract
Antiimplant
ation,
estrogenic
Decreased
glycogen
content in
uterus
Alkaloid Panda, et al
2011

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10. Areca
catechu Puga, supari Fruit / seed Ethanolic
extract Antiovulato
ry
Ovaria
n
weight
decreased due
to imbalance
in
gonadotrophin
s
Arecaidine,
arecoline,
pilocarpine
Jyoti et
al.,2010
11. Ocimum
sanctum Tulsi Leaves Benzene
extract Antifertility
Decreased
sperm count,
weight of
testis and
sperm
motility
Carvacrol,
sesquiterpine
hydrocarbon
caryophyllen
e
Pandey et
al, 2010
12. Plumbago
rosea Rakta Chitrak Leaves Acetone,
ethanolic
extract
Antiovulato
ry
inhibition of
ovulation with
irregular
estrous cycle
Plumbagin,
sitosterol
glycoside,
tannins,Fatty
alcohol
Sheeja et
al., 2009
13. Trichosanthes
cucumerina Chachinda Whole plant Ethanolic
extract Antiovulato
ry Reduction in
LH & FSH
Cucurbitacin
, sterols 2
β-sitosterol
stigmasterol
Malashetty
et al, 2009
14. Nelumbo
nucifera Kamala Seeds Ethanolic
extract Antiestroge
nic
Decreased
ovarian
weight,
estrogen
inhibition
Bis-
benzylisoqui
noline
alkaloid
Mutreja et
al, 2008
15. Hibiscus
rosasinensis Mandara Root, flower Benzene
extract
Anti-
implantatio
n,
antiovulator
y
Increased
uterine
weight,
increase in
secretion of
estrogen by
atretic
follicles
Cyclopeptide
alkaloid Basudeva,e
t al 2007
16. Achyranthes
aspera Chirchita,
Aaghada Roots Ethanolic,
chlorofor
m extract
spermicidal
,
antiovulator
y ,
antiimplant
ation
Hormonal
disturbance in
uterus,
expulsion of
ova
achyranthine Sharma et
al, 2007
17.
Dysoxylum
binectariferu
m Bandardewa Stem bark Ethanolic
extract Antiimplant
ation
Reduction in
implantation
number. Rohitukine Keshri et
al., 2007
18. Momordica
cymbalaria Luffa roots Ethanolic
extract
Antiovulato
ry,
abortifacien
t
Increase in
atretic
follicles,
Reduced
ovarian
weight
Saponins,
Triterpenes,
glycosides
Saraswati
et al, 2006
19. Balanites
roxburghii Hingota Bark, fruit
,seed, leaves Ethanolic
extract
Abortifacie
nt,antiimpla
ntation
Open vagina,
Increased
uterine weight
Steroid
alkaloid,
diosgenin,
saponins
Padmashali
et al,
2006.Singh
et al, 2010
20. Lantana
camara Raimuniya Leaf hydroalco
holicextra
ct Antifertility
Slight
increase in
ovarian
weight
Sesquiterpen
e, oleanolic
acid,
Mello et
al., 2005.

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21. Azadirachta
indica Neem Flower, seeds,
leaves
Aqueous,
Alcoholic
extract
Antifertility
,
spermicidal
Effect on
number of
spermatozoa
and level of
fructose
Azadirachtin
,
Cyclopeptide
alkaloid
Mishra et
al, 2005,
Jegede et
al, 2008
22. Derris
brevipes Benth Leaf, root Ethanolic
extract
Antiimplant
ation, Anti-
fertility
absence of
implantations
in uterus,
Increase in
uterine weight
Steroids,
terpenoids,
flavanoids.
Badami et
al, 2003.
Govindaraj
et al, 2009
23. Tinospora
cordifolia Amrita, Giloe Stem Aqueous
extract
Antifertility
,
spermicidal
Reduced
weight of
testis, sperm
count
Berberine,
palmatine D,
choline D
Gupta et
al.,
2003.Chou
dhary et al,
2013
24. Allium cepa Onion Bulb Ethanolic
extract antiimplant
ation
Inhibition of
no. of implant
sites
Kampferol,
β-sitosterol,
ferulic acid,
myritic acid
Thakare et
al, 2003,
2009
25. Lepidium
sativum Chandrasur Mature
explants Methanoli
c extract Antiovulato
ry Reduced level
of GnRH Lepidine Pande et
al., 2002
26. Calotropis
procera mudar Root Ethanolic,
aqueous
extract
Antiovulato
ry
prolonged
dioestrous
stage with
temporary
inhibition of
ovulation.
Steroidal
alkaoid Circosta et
al., 2001
27. Rivea
hypocraterifo
rmis
Phang, Dhak-
ki-be Aerial parts Ethanolic
extract
Antiimplant
ation,
antiestroge
nic,
antiovulator
y
Increased
intrauterine
weight,
diameter,
Decreased
graffian
follicles
Tannins Shivalinga
ppa et al,
2001
28. Mentha
arevensis Pudina Leaves Petroleum
ether
extract Spermicidal
Decreased
weight of
testis, sperm
motility,
viability
Alkaloids,
steroids,
glycosides
Sharma &
Jacob,
2001
29. Ricinus
communis Arandi,
Castor bean Seed aqueous
Abortifacie
nt,
antiimplant
ation
Increase in
diameter in
uterus and
decrease in
utraine
hormones
Ricinine,
isoquinoline Assefa et
al., 1999
30. Taxus baccata Common
Yew Leaves Leaf
extract Antiovulato
ry
Inhibited
secretion of
ovarian
hormones
Pseudo
alkaloids Giovanni et
al., 1993
Some of the chemical constituents of plants are known for inducing infertility by suppressing
various hormones that are responsible for the regulation of reproductive cycle in humans and
animals. The hypothalamic gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates the
reproductive functions of all the vertebrates. Its major function is to synthesize and release
the gonadotrophins from pituitary gland. These gonadotrophins stimulate the secretion of

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Leutinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) by gonadotrophes. The
development of female and male reproductive organs is governed by LH & FSH. The
steroidal contraceptives lead to the suppression of hythalmo-hyphophyseal system and
inhibition of ovulation (Krishna et al, 2007)
Commercial Combinational Products
There are many antifertility drugs which have been commercialized yet having herbal
component present in it but also containing synthetic compounds. These are named as as
Alesse, Tri-cyclen, Triphasil, Yasmin, Desogen, Brevicon, Lutera, Safyral, Activella,
Cyclessa, Natazia etc. The chemicals such as levonorgestrel, desogestrel, norethindrone,
Norgestimate, drospirenone present in these drugs may be responsible for hormonal
irregulation. They also have some side effects like nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite,
breast pain, dark urine, jaundice, vomiting, changes in body weight, vaginal itching or
unusual white fluid discharge, disturbance in menstrual periods, decreased sex drive etc. (
http:// www.rxlist.com)( http://www.fda.gov/default.htm)
Table 2. List of approved herbal antifertility combination drugs-
S.
No.
Drug Name Active
ingredients Activity Side effects on long
term exposure Reference
1. Activelle Estradiol
Norethindrone Hormone
replacement
Liver dysfunction,
Genital bleeding,
endometrial & breast
cancer
USFDA
2. Cyclessa Ethinyl estradiol
Desogestrel
Triphasic
contraceptive,
antiovulatory
venous
thromboembolism,
Myocardial
infarction
USFDA
3. Natazia Estradiol
valerate
dienogest Antiovulatory Breast tenderness,
Irregular uterine
bleeding USFDA
4. Safyral
ethinyl estradiol
drospirenone
levomefolate
calcium
Antiovulatory Hyperkalemia,
depression, nausea USFDA
5. Ortho Tri-
Cyclen ethinyl estradiol
norgestimate Antifertility,
antiimplantation
Decreased
testosterone, obesity,
hepatic neoplasia USFDA
6. Yasmin ethinyl estradiol
drospirenone Antiovulatory,
antiimplantation Stroke, diabetes USFDA
7. Blue
Cohosh Quinolizidine,
aporphine, Abortifacient,
teratogenic fetal toxicity,
aplastic anemia Rader &
Pawar,

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pepridine,
norlupanine 2013
8. German
Chamomile
oil
chamazulene, a-
bisabolol,
bisabolol oxide
A, bisabolol
oxides.
Abortifacient,
emmenagogue Allergy,
inflammation
Srivastava
et. al,
2010
Fig. 1 Commercial contraceptive pills (http:// www.rxlist.com)

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Extraction methods adopted for obtaining active components from medicinal plants- A
number of plant extracts obtained from medicinal plants contains the active ingredients. The
active component such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, fatty acids are found
to be responsible for the antifertility activity of plants. Different types of extracts were
obtained using certain solvents like water, ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether, benzene,
chloroform etc. Depending on these solvents, various extraction procedures were reported for
particular plant. They are mentioned as follows:
 Papaver sominiferum(Fig. 2)- The ethanolic and chloroform extract of Papaver
sominiferum were observed to have an antiovulatory activity. Poppy straw, ethanol and
demineralised water were mixed in a flask mechanically. The suspension was heated at 80- 85
C and filtered. The ethanolic extract was prepared and concentrated under reduced pressure.
The chlorofoam extract was also obtained from the ethanolic extract by adding activated
charcoal. The acetic acid plays an important role for maintaining pH. After concentrating the
chloroform extract, crude noscapine was found to be precipitated and purified through the
filtration(Ibrahim Bulduk et al., 2013).
 Carica papaya (Fig. 3)- The alcoholic extract was prepared from seeds of papaya. Seeds
were shed dried, powdered and extracted using ethanol at 55-60ºC. This solvent was distilled
under reduced pressure, the obtained mass was dried under vacuum ( Changamma et al,
2013).
 Cassia fistula (Fig. 4) - The extract was prepared using Soxhlet extractor at 100ºC. The
seeds were dried and powdered. These powdered seeds were extracted using distilled water.
The crude extract obtained was concentrated under reduced pressure and low
temperature. The residue obtained was then utilized by suspending it in appropriate
volume of olive oil.( Panda, et al 2011)
 Annona squamosa (Fig. 5) - Air dried powder of seeds of Annona squamosa were mixed
with ethanol and stored for 72 hrs in chilled conditions to obtain the ethanolic extract. The
extracts were filtered through a Whatmann filter paper and the organic layer was evaporated.
The concentrated crude extracts were lyophilized for further use( Vijayalaxmi et al., 2011)
 Momordica cymbalaria (Fig. 6) - The ethanolic extract was obtained from the roots
which were shed dried at room temperature for 7 days. The dried roots were powdered and

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extracted ethanol using Soxhlet extractor. The combined extracts were concentrated at 40oC
and the yield obtained was found to be 21.5 % w/w.( Saraswati et al, 2006)
 Lepidium sativum (Fig. 7) - The aqueous extract was prepared by boiling dried
powdered seeds of Lepidium sativum in distilled water for 10 min. The filtered extract was
lyophilized by freezing at -22oC for 8 hrs. For the preparation of methanolic extract, the
seeds were powdered and treated with petroleum ether at 60-70oC. This content was then air-
dried and subjected to Sohxlet extractor at 50-55oC. The extract was concentrated under
vacuum and air-dried. The yield was 10%.( Pande et al., 2002) (Patel et al, 2009)
 Withania somnifera (Fig. 8)- The dried stems of Withania somnifera were ground in a
mixture then, added in ethanol for overnight, it was boiled for 24 hours and finally it was
filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under the reduce pressure at 50 ± 5°C to produce
ethanolic extract( Shekhawat et al, 2013).
 Dodonea viscose Linn (Fig. 10) - The dried plant materials were homogenized using
mechanical grinder. The powdered materials were extracted with methanol using soxhlet
extractor. This methanolic extract was then concentrated and dried under reduced
pressure.(Ramya et al, 2011)
 Musa paradisiacal (Fig. 11)- The powdered material of stem was extracted using
petroleum ether at 60 – 80oC and then extracted with chloroform, acetone, ethanol and water
for 72 hr each in a soxhlet extractor. The extracts were concentrated and then evaporated
under reduced pressure and the percentage yield of the extract were found to be 2.9%, 2.8%,
2.3%, 8.6 and 10.2 % w/w respectively.( Soni et al, 2013)
 Crataeva Nurvala(Fig. 9)- For obtaining ethanolic extract, the plant material was shed
dried and chopped into small pieces and was subjected to Soxhlet extraction process with
ethanol at 50-60 ˚C. The extracts were concentrated to dryness in a flash-evaporator under
reduced pressure at controlled temperature. The ethanolic extract was prepared in Tween-80
(1%) and dissolved in distilled water according to the usage ( Adkar et al, 2012).
 Nelumbo nucifera (Fig. 12) - The seeds were dried, powdered and then subjected to
soxhlet extractor with ethanol. The ethanolic extract obtained was filtered and then

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evaporated to remove moisture under reduced pressure which yielded about 8.5% of solid
residue ( Mutreja et al, 2008).
 Curcuma aromatica (Fig. 13)- The air-dried powdered plant material was extracted by
continuous hot percolation method in Soxhlet extractor with different solvents, starting
from petroleum ether (60-80C) followed by benzene, chloroform, acetone, methanol,
ethanol and water. Before proceeding with the other solvent, the material was again air dried
below 50C, each extract was then concentrated by drying off the solvent and evaporating to
remove moisture (Mishra et al, 2009).
 Citrus medica (Fig. 14)- The dried, powered seed material of Citrus medica was
subjected in a soxhelet extractor for 48 hrs with petroleum ether. The petroleum ether
extract was concentrated to dryness in a flash evaporator under reduced pressure and
controlled temperature. This extract was chromatoghraphed by TLC method for solvent
standardization using silica gel ( Taha et al, 2012)
 Achyranthes aspera (Fig. 15)- The powdered roots were extracted successively with
petroleum ether at 60-80C, chloroform, ethanol, and distilled water by cold maceration
process. The extracts were concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure and controlled
temperature. The extracts were prepared in 1% acacia, suspended in distilled water and stored
for further use (Vasudeva and Sharma, 2007)
 Curcuma Longa (Fig. 16)- The dark orange rhizome contained yellow pigment -curcumin
and altered starch grains. The orange-yellow crystals of curcumin were formed which are
insoluble in water and ether but soluble in alcohol and propylene glycol. The powdered
curcumin was dissolved in propylene glycol and the volume was made upto 10 ml. Thus
20mg/ml of standard propylene glycol solution was prepared. ( Ghosh et al, 2011)
 Tinospora cordifolia- The dried stems were powdered and dissolved in aqueous solution.
It was cold extracted for 7 days with occasional shaking and warming. The clear filtrate was
obtained through a Buchner funnel after 7 days. The filtrate was further concentrated by
vacuum distillation, cooled, and dried in an oven at 60°C. The aqueous extract obtained was
kept in desiccators for 15 days to prevent moisture. (Choudhary et al, 2013)
 Cola nitida rubra- The seeds were sun dried and crushed. The powdered seed was
dissolved in distilled water, stirred and left undisturbed for 48 hours. The filtered crude

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aqueous extract was concentrated to dryness in an electric oven at 50C. The fine particles
of the dried extract was obtained through sieves which were finally stored in the refrigerator
at 4°C for use (Agbai et al, 2012)
 Trichosanthes cucumerina- The whole plant was dried under room temperature. The
dried plant was powdered and soxhleted with ethanol for 24 h. The ethanolic extract was
concentrated to dryness in a flash evaporator under reduced pressure and controlled
temperature. The crude extract was stored in refrigerator at 4ºC for further use.( Malashetty et
al, 2009)
 Plumbago rosea (Fig. 18)- The shed dried powdered leaves were extracted using
petroleum ether at 60–80° and extracted with chloroform, acetone, ethanol and water for 72 h
each in a soxhlet extractor. The extracts were evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain
solid masses and the percentage yield of the extracts was found to be 2.32%, 2.05%, 1.5%,
4.57% and 25.6%, respectively.( Sheeja et al., 2009)
 Areca catechu- The dried nuts were powdered and dissolved in petroleum ether. The
residue was hot extracted in soxhlet apparatus using ethanol for five times. This petroleum
ether extract was filtered, lyophilized, and concentrated on a hot water bath to obtain dried
extract which was further stored in a desiccators ( Jyoti et al.,2010)
 Balanites roxburghii (Fig. 17) – The fruits were shade-dried, powdered, and subjected to
soxhlet extraction successively with petroleum ether at 60-80°C, chloroform, 95% ethanol,
and finally it was dissolved with distilled water and kept for 7 days. The crude extracts
obtained were concentrated to dryness in a flash evaporator under reduced pressure and
controlled temperature. The petroleum ether extract was resulted in yellow coloured mass,
chloroform and ethanol extracts gave dark coloured residues ( Singh et al, 2010)
 Lantana camara (Fig. 19) - The plant material was dried to atmospheric temperature. The
extract was obtained from the dried material in a hydroalcoholic solution for 24 h under
occasional shaking. The filtered extract was then concentrated in a rotary evaporator under
reduced pressure at temperature of 40C. The dried mass was stored for further use and yield
of the extract was found to be 4.75%. ( Mello et al., 2005)

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Identification of some medicinal plants
Fig. 2 Papaver
sominiferum Fig. 3 Carica papaya Fig. 4 Cassis fistula
Fig. 5 Annona
squamosa Fig. 6 Momordica
cymbalaria Fig. 7 Lepidium
sativum
Fig. 8 Withania
somnifera
Fig. 9 Crataeva
Nurvala
Fig. 10 Dodonea
viscose

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DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION
It is concluded that the increase in population, poverty and pollution are related to each other
and need to be controlled in developing and underdeveloped countries. Human fertility must
be checked for the population control. Traditional medicinal system provides us a variety of
methods which prevents fertility in humans. It includes hormonal contraceptives such as birth
Fig. 11 Musa
paradisiaca Fig. 12 Nelumbo
nucifera Fig. 13 Curcuma
aromatica
Fig.
14
Citrus
medica
Fig.
15
Achyranthes
aspera
Fig.
16
Curcuma
l
onga
Fig.
17
Balanites
roxburghii
Fig. 18 Plumbago rosea
Fig.
19
Lantana
camara

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control pills, skin patches, condoms, intrauterine devices etc. People belonging to
underdeveloped countries are unable to access them in an effective manner as they are
expensive, unavailable, having chemical constituents which may have adverse effects on the
human body. Consumption of chemically constituted drugs need to be avoided and to avoid
them, people should prefer the herbal drugs. It generally includes all types of medicinal plants
and other plant extracts. Herbal extracts may interfere with the fertility in different ways, they
may affect female reproductive organs such as ovaries, uterus etc. or may block the secretion
of hormones as they contain phytoestrogen and progesterone or its analogues.
As women plays a pivotal role in the family, she is also responsible for the well being of the
family so, women’s healthcare need to be safe and effective with minimal side effects. Family
planning programs & contraception has become an integral part of women’s healthcare so as
to empower her with prioritizing her duties. As the herbal products are easily accessible to the
women from rural areas the need of hour is to train them in identifying these herbs and
preparing various aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the herbs. Women from urban areas have
also become aware about using natural contraceptives. Some herbal formulations have been
commercialized by various pharmaceutical companies however their side effects have been
reported because of the presence of chemical components in it.
Medicinal plant extracts contains some active ingredients which are responsible for the
antifertility effect like antiovulation, antiimplantation. A number of herbs have been tested to
induce infertility but they need to be taken daily to maintain its effect. They functions as an
emergency contraceptives.
It has been observed through various experimentation on the Animal model that theses herbal
compound had shown minimal side effects in comparison to the chemically synthesized
contraceptive which usually contain various combinations of hormones. So the value of the
traditional knowledge for herbal contraceptive need to be highlighted to the masses in order
to make it more acceptable and practiced.
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