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Annals of Biological Research, 2010, 1 (2) :108-113
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Antifertility effects of Azadirachta indica (Neem) - A Review
Parveen Bansal
1
, Renu Bansal
1
, Vikas Gupta
2*
1
Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, India
2
National Institute of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Research, Patiala, India
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Abstract
Most population studies conclude that today's skyrocketing growth in human population is
creating a serious underlying threat to the well being of the world's natural and economic
resources. Whether neem, can help to reduce runaway population growth is' uncertain.
However, as noted earlier, exploratory research has indicated that certain neem, ingredients
have contraceptive properties. Thus it is possible that, given research attention, products from
this tree could come into widespread use for the reduction of unwanted pregnancies. This
review gives a bird's eye view mainly on the contraceptive therapeutic potential of neem tree so
as to promote the research on this magic tree.
Keywords: Azadirachta indica, Contraceptive, Spermicidal, Implantation, Male fertility
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INTRODUCTION
Neem, a native of Indian subcontinent is a highly esteemed tree for the people in the region. The
plant is considered sacred and is used by the Hindus in several ceremonies, rituals and in
worship of the New Year day [1]. It is associated with a rural festival "Ghatasthapana" to avert
diseases [2-4]. The Juice of fresh green leaves of Azadirachta indica was believed to suppress"
Kam vasna" (desire for sex) so saints and "sanyasees" in shrines and the pupils studying in
"Gurukul" consumed it for the same purpose. From an initial caution and scepticism neem, has
now been universally accepted as a miracle tree. During last three decades neem has attracted
the brains of The scientific community and has attained a place of pride in national and
international scenario. Neem has been found to contain a vast array of biologically active
compounds, which are chemically diverse and have got an enormous therapeutic potential. Not
only this many reviews have been already appeared from time to time on its constituents in
general [5-7]. Its chemistry dates back to 1880-1890 when influenced by its folk-lore medicinal
values the chemists took up the isolation of active principles and Siddiqui [8] was the first to
report the isolation of three products namely nimbin, nimbidin and nimbinin from its oil. The
National Research Council of USA has given an excellent account of this tree in their
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publication 'Neem' A tree for solving global problems'. The society of pesticide science in India
has also given an elaborative account regarding this tree in "Neem Research and Development'.
Two other comprehensive compilations on the multifaceted research involving diverse
disciplines of science were done by Jacobson and Tiwari [9, 10]. This review has been done to
provide an insight into pharmacological work done to substantiate traditional claims to establish
its contraceptive potential in modem medicine demonstrated as antimplantation effect,
spermicidal effect, oral contraceptive, abortifacient, antispermatogenic effect and antifertility
effect. Its contraceptive effect has been tried through oral, vaginal and subcutaneous routes of
application. Either oil as such, or oil or leaf extracts have been used.
Neem is being projected as a cheap and effective antifertility agent. In 1959 the antifertility
property of neem components in rats and human were published [11, 12]. In this study addition
of aqueous solution of sodium nimbidinate salt to semen of rat and human being resulted in
death of sperm in different percentage and in different time period. Similarly oil proved to be
spermicidal against rhesus monkey and human spermatozoa in vitro [13], when used intra
vaginally the oil prevented pregnancy in rats (20 µl), rhesus monkeys and women (10ml). The
oil did not reveal any side effects on repeated application as confirmed by histopathological
studies on reproductive organs or other tissues where as oral dose of as low as 25µl oil
demonstrated a complete anti implantation effect in rat [14]. In vitro testing of spermicidal
activity of neem oil posed a problem of mixing the oil with water phase i.e. semen. So
cyclohexane, which had no effect on spermatozoa motility at 2% concentration, was used to
dissolve most of the test neem products. After diluting the mixture with a solution oftween-80
(0.1 %), the spermatozoa movement could be observed under a microscope [15]. Both the
precoital and postcoital antifertility effects of vaginal application of neem oil have been
subsequently confirmed in rhesus monkeys [16]. According to a report from scientists of
Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), a neem extract (Nim-76) is
believed to be refined to give birth control effect. This study showed that neem oil applied
intravaginally before sexual intercourse prevented pregnancy without any adverse effect on
vagina, cervix and uterus. Further radio lisotopic studies indicated that neem oil is not absorbed
from the vagina [14]. The active components of neem oil have been found to be absorbed
through the vaginal mucosa into circulation and exerted antifertility effects in addition to direct
spermicidal effect.
The spermicidal property in post coital stages is rather undesirable because if used in pregnant
women, it may lead to defects in embryonic development. Nim-76 a potent volatile fraction
however inhibited spermatozoa motility in vitro in rat and human beings [17, 18]. It was found
superior than raw neem oil in that it acts mainly by its spermicidal effect and no alterations in
hormone values were observed. Several other studies have also shown that the mechanism 'of
action of neem is not hormonal but probably direct spermicidal" [19, 20]. These findings were
based on an analysis of the histoarchitecture of the uterus of treated rats and were subsequently
confirmed by other workers [21]. Since the effect seems to be non hormonal it would be
expected to elicit fewer side effects than the steroidal contraceptives.
According to another report [22] neem oil in graded doses of 2, 4, 6 ml per kg. body weight did
not inhibit ovulation activity in rabbits. According to other study neem oil constituents based
formulation is 100% active to prevent pregnancy and does not produce any side effects [23].
Subcutaneous application of neem oil components like nimbi din or nimbidiol did not show any
estrogenic activity [24,25]. In another report neem oil up to 0.3 ml/rat subcutaneously did not
possess any estrogenic, antiestrogenic, progestrational or antiprogestational activity [26].
Subcutaneous administration of neem oil has been reported to inhibit pregnancy [27]. Study
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indicates that the administration of neem oil may kill the blastocysts kin in the uterus of
pregnant rats.
Another group of scientists have shown that feeding of neem extracts for shorter duration
caused no significant changes in the ovarian or uterine histology however longer treatment did
cause arrest of follicular growth and thickening and scattering of stromal and glandular cells
[28].
Male rats when tested for fertility after feeding neem oil had been found to result in a significant
loss of reproductive function [22]. There were no inhibitions of spermatogenesis in any of the
groups demonstrating that probably the drug induced functional sterility without interfering
with structural integrity of the testis or the process of spermatogenesis. Another report has given
contrast results in which administration of neem bark extract (50% EtOH) or neem seed oil
(petroleum ether extract at a dose of 0.5g/kg body weight for 2 months caused arrest of
spermatogenesis [29]. An active principle in water extracts of crushed green leaves caused
reversible antifertility action without inhibition of spermatogenesis. This active principle was
thermo stable [30, 31]. This extract was also found active in mice, rats, rabbits and guinea pigs
[32]. When 100 mg of dried leaf powder suspended in 1ml of distilled water per day, was given
for a period of 24 days, it was suggestive of reversible antiandrogenic effect on the histological
and biochemical parameters of testis of adult albino rats [33, 34].
Upadhyay et al. [35] observed a long-term contraceptive effect of single intra-vas administration
of neem oil in male rats. The antifertility effect was observed for 8 months and was found to be
an alternative approach to vasectomy. No inflammatory/obstructive changes in epididymis and
vas deferens were observed. There was no change in blood testosterone levels. Purified neem
seed extract called praneem was reported to cause termination of pregnancy by bleeding and a
decrease in progesterone levels in rats, baboons and monkeys [36]. It was also reported to
abrogate pregnancy in primates [37].
Indigenously available neem oil in its natural form as tested for its spermicidal activity (in vitro
and in vivo). Undiluted neem oil was found to possess strong spermicidal action (within 30s.)
against rhesus monkey and human spermatozoa in vitro, whereas 3 mg. of neem leaf extract,
when treated with human spermatozoa, kills 100% of sperm within 20 s. The time taken by
sperm to travel to the oviduct from the cervix in women is 5-68 min, when all conditions are
favorable in the fertile period [38]. Therefore, neem leaf extract is more advantageous than the
undiluted neem oil, which takes 30 s to kill the sperm.
Praneem polyherbal cream has been developed by garg et al. [39], which has synergistic
spermicidal concentration for praneen (25%) reetha saponins (0.05%) and quinine
hydrochloride (0.34%) and was found at this concentration to result in 100% immobilization of
sperm within 20s [40]. Until now, neem seed extract or oil or oil components were studied as an
effective contraceptive that .is hydrophobic in nature. The neem leaf extract, which is
hydrophilic in nature, mixes immediately with water as well as body fluids and kills sperm
within 20 s, with its use, a more potent vaginal contraceptive may be developed.
A novel use of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil, a traditional plant product, for long-term and
reversible blocking of fertility after a single intrauterine application is described by Upadhyay et
al. [41]. Female Wistar rats of proven fertility were given a single dose (100 µl) of neem oil by
intrauterine route; control animal received the same volume of peanut oil. Whereas all control
animals became pregnant and delivered normal litters, the rats treated with neem oil remained
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infertile for variable periods ranging form 107 to 180 days even after repeated mating with
males of proven fertility. The block in fertility was, however, reversible as half of the animal's
regained fertility and delivered normal litters by five months after treatment, without any
apparent teratogenic effects. Unilateral administration of neem oil in the uterus blocked
pregnancy only on the side of application, whereas the contra lateral uterine horn treated with
peanut oil had normally developing foetuses; no sign of implantation or foetal resorption was
noted in the neem-oil-treated horn. The ovaries on both side had 4-6 coropora lutea, indicating
no effect of treatment on ovarian function. The animal treated with neem oil showed a
significant leukocytic infiltration in the uterine epithelium between days 3 and 5 post coitum
i.e., during the preimplantation period. Intrauterine application of neem oil appears to induce a
preimplantation block in fertility.
Neem oil in vitro proved to be a strong spermicidal agent. Rhesus monkey and human
spermatozoa became totally immotile within 30 seconds of contact with the undiluted oil. In
vivo studies in rats (20) rabbits (8), rhesus monkeys (14), and human volunteers (10) proved
that neem oil has also been found to have anti-implantation/ abortifacient effect in rats and
rabbits if applied intravaginally on day 2 to day 7 of expected pregnancy [42]. The minimum
effective dose is 25 µl for rats. One month after the stoppage of neem oil application there was
complete reversibility in fertility in these animals. It has no deleterious effect on the subsequent
pregnancies and the offspring. Histopathological studies on rat's vagina, cervix and uterus
showed no ill effects of neem oil in these tissues. In contrast, nonyl-phenoxy polyethoxy
ethanol, a polyethoxy ethanol, a popular vaginal contraceptive cream, showed signs of severs
irritant reaction in these tissues. Radioisotope studies indicated that neem oil was not absorbed
from the vagina, it thus out its possible systemic effects. Results of the present study indicated
that neem oil is an "ideal" female contraceptive, being easily available, cheap and non-toxic.
Another study was carried out to evaluate the effective concentration of aqueous extract of old
and tender Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves to immobilize and kill 100% human spermatozoa
within 20 s [43]. The results of the 'study revealed that the aqueous extract of old and tender
neem leaves is a potent spermicidal, which is demonstrated through docs-dependent study on
the effect of motility of spermatozoa and then confirmed by viability test. No morphological
changes were found in the sperm head, mid- piece and tail when compared with untreated
sperm. Therefore, 100% killing of sperm may by due to blockage of some biochemical pathway
like energy utilization, which would require' further investigation. The potency of lyophilized
aqueous extract of old and tender leaves remains the same and the effectiveness does not change
with storage time to 4 year.
According to Dhawan et al. [44] Ethanol/water (1:1) extract of the dried seed, administered
orally to female rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg, did not demonstrate any antiimplantation effect. A
similar type of study has shown inactivity of the seed oil administered by gastric incubation at a
dose of 5.0ml/ animal [45]. Lal et al. [46, 47] has shown just contradictory results by
demonstrating activity of essential oil administered orally to the rat a, the dose of 4.0 ml kg on
days 1-3. In two different studies antispermatogenic effect of dried leaf extract was screened.
Ethanol (80%) extract of the dried leaf, administered intragastrically to male rats at a dose of
100 mg/kg daily for 21 days was inactive for antispermatogenic activity however there was loss
of libido in 100% males [48] whereas the dried leaf administered intra gastrically to male rats at
a dose of 20-60 mg/animal daily for 24 days was active [49]. The seed oil has also been shown
to effect the sperm/egg interaction at a concentration of 10-25% and thus inhibit fertilization
and development of fertilized ova [50]. The dried seed administered intravaginally was active as
spermicidal in baboon, monkey and rabbit [51].
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CONCLUSION
Keeping in view the importance of neem tree in national regional land international perspective
there is an urgent need to locate collect and study its diversity and develop effect measures to
store it for current and future use. At the same time it is also essential to undertake ethno
botanical studies to link its various therapeutic uses with ethnic/ folklore remedies to evaluate
how different tribes use neem in different areas of its occurrence. There is a dire need to
document this folklore traditional knowledge, which is vanishing rapidly due to lack of
awareness in these people, also effective measures are required to document available diversity
and bring out systematic information for wider dissemination and utilization of world's genetic
diversity in neem for exploring its therapeutic potential further.
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... Azadirachtin, a tetranor triterpenoid, is an important biologically active constituent of neem seed kernel, generally used for pest control (Gupta and Tripathi, 1998). Specifically, the separation of three products nimbidin, nimbidic acid and nimbolide was from seed kernel oil (Bansal et al., 2010;Latif et al., 2020). ...
... Neem extract can be used to improve birth control, according to a report by researchers at the Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS). Neem oil can prevent pregnancy without having any negative effects on the vagina, cervix, or uterus when administered intravaginally before to sexual activity, according to the study (Bansal et al., 2010), but not absorbed from the vagina (Singha et al., 1984). Its active ingredients were discovered to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the vaginal mucosa and to have antifertility effects in addition to their direct spermicidal actions. ...
... Previous research reported that the leaf extract of Annona squamosa L. contains alkaloids, protein, amino acid, carbohydrate, . Azadirachta indica A. Juss also have various modes of action against insects such as repellent (Parugrug and Roxas, 2008;Djenontin Tindo et al., 2012), antifeedant (Akhtar et al., 2008;Pavela, 2009;Pinheiro and Quintela, 2010;Gadi, 2017;Kurniati et al., 2018), toxic (Bello et al., 2014Nishan and Subramanian, 2015;Zanuncio et al., 2016), growth inhabitant (Nisbet, 2000;Nathan et al., 2006;Akhtar et al., 2008), fecundity suppression (Nisbet et al., 1996) and sterilization (Linton et al., 1997;Mulla and Su, 1999;Bansal et al., 2010). As A. indica extracts are not harmful to plants or humans, they can also be used to control the insects in gardens and around dwellings (Gadi, 2017). ...
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Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera Noctuidae), is one of the serious global pests that causes high economic losses in crop production, mainly in maize plants. As natural plant products are becoming more and more interested in protecting agricultural crops today, the aim of the present investigation was conducted to evaluate the insecticidal action of Annona squamosa L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. crude ethanolic extracts against fall armyworm. Af-fectivity was based on the mortality test of the egg as well as its second and third larval stages. All extracts showed high ovicidal activity and exhibited 100% mortality against the eggs of fall armyworm. All of the eggs were remained completely dried out and unhatched three days following treatment with the 10 mg mL −1 dose. In this study, three different type of bioassays, namely ingestion bioassay, topical bioassay and residual bioassay were carried out. At ingestion bioassay tested with second instar, LC50 value of ethanolic extracts of A. squamosa, A. indica and A. heterophyllus were 4.66 mg mL −1 , 3.78 mg mL −1 and 4.04 mg mL −1 , respectively. For third instar, LC50 value of ethanolic extracts of A. squamosa, A. indica and A. heterophyllus were 17.64 mg mL −1 , 14.12 mg mL −1 and 15.70 mg mL −1 , respectively. In topical bioassay treated with 25 mg mL −1 of all plant extracts, 95-100% mortality was detected in second instars and 85-95% mortality was noted in third instars. In residual bioassay treated with 25 mg mL −1 of extracts, 48-67% mortality was observed in second instars and 6-15% mortality was observed in third instars. The later in their growth stages the larvae are, the higher their chance of surviving when treated with crude extracts. The crude ethanolic extract of A. squamosa had moderate insecticidal activity. A. heterophyllus showed high insecticidal activity and it could be the good candidate to be developed as sources of botanical insecticides for the management of fall armyworm since its effect was comparable with that of a well-known plant, A. indica, for its insecticidal activity.
... (2021),Seriana et al. (2019), andBansal et al. (2010) have further provided a comprehensive overview of the antifertility activities of Azadirachta indica, further justifying the potential contraceptive properties of the plant. ...
... It also had pathological effects on uterus (Morovati et al. 2009). NIM-76 (an odorous compound) prepared from the neem oil after hydrodistillation was also used as vaginal contraceptive at a dose of 20 µl in case of rats and monkeys and at a dose of 10 ml in case of humans (Bansal et al. 2010). 40% neem seed in quail feed was also reported to have antispermatogenic effect (Gois et al. 2019). ...
... Neem belongs to the family Meliaceae and is an evergreen tree found mostly in tropical (Raguraman & Singh 1999), and subtropical regions of Africa, Australia, and Latin America (Nisbet 2000). Neem contains numerous biologically active compounds including Salannin, nimbidin, azadiradione and epiazadiradione (Singh et al. 2004,Nisbet 2000 and has been used in ethnomedicine to control agricultural pests (Ley et al. 1993, Bansal et al. 2010, Paul et al. 2011. In Nepal, titepati leaf extract is used to treat numerous human ailments (Bassett et al. 1978, Tamang 2003, Hussain & Hore 2007, Khan et al. 2015. ...
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Giant African land snails (Achatina fulica; GALS) are a highly invasive herbivore and pose serious threats to native species and that could disrupt ecosystems. Various botanical extracts have been used as molluscicides to control mollusks for pest management. We aimed to identify the effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) and titepati (Artemisia vulgaris) to reduce GALS activities and survival using solutions of fresh neem leaf and titepati leaf, bark, and root. We found a fast movement in the GALS only in the extraction groups while the lethargic movement was lower in mulching method. A significant association of control groups with different extraction groups along with mulching treatment (p<0.05) however, no differences were observed among different extractions at 2.5% and 5% concentrations. Among the treatments, Neem leaf at 5% concentration was found to be effective as it helped immobilize the samples after ten days whilst other treatments required minimum 14 days to be effective. We recommend further studies of titepati and neem as control agents to reduce crop and vegetable damage from GALS.
... Antifertility activity: Neem oil in vitro proved as a powerful spermicidal agent. Rhesus monkey and human spermatozoa became completely immotile in 30 seconds of contact with the concentrated oil (Bansal et al., 2010). ...
... These were absent in the groups treated with 50mg/kg of extract and 200mg/kg and a layer of non-flattened cells with rounded epithelia were observed on the luminal surface. There is no known explanation at present why there was a difference in surface epithelial cells in the treatment groups, and literature search revealed that several antifertility extracts, even when administered via the vaginal route caused no significant changes in the vaginal epithelium (24). (25) however, reported the presence of predominantly cornified and nucleated epithelial cells in the vagina after administration of Balanites roxburghii extract which was consisted with the result obtained in the current study in some treated groups. ...
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Abstract Introduction: Khaya senegalensis is a plant with many medicinal uses and application which could serve as an available and alternative source of medication. It has been used traditionally as an abortifacient agent following folkloric information handed down by word mouth. The aim of this study is to validate this claim by investigating the effect of the extract on the endometrial and vaginal epithelium. Methodology: Four groups of albino rats were administered different dosages of the extract orally and after 28 days, the rats were sacrificed. The micrographs of the uterus and vagina were studied for histological observations. Morphometric analysis was also carried out to determine the thickness of the epithelial lining in all groups. Measurements were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparisons test using GraphPad Prism. Results: Histological observations showed that the extract at a concentration of 50mg/kg and 200mg/kg disrupted the epithelial lining and as the concentrations administered increased, surface and stromal endometrial glands became smaller and sparse and the endometrial stroma became less compact. Morphometric analysis revealed a significant increase of endometrial epithelium in the group administered the least concentration of the extract. Vaginal epithelial thickness was also significantly reduced in all groups. Conclusion: Results obtained suggests that the extract has an anti-fertility effect on the lining of the uterus and vagina. Further studies are recommend.
... Azadirachta indica A. Juss.(Meliaceae) (common name "neem"), is native to the Indian subcontinent and was introduced first to Africa and then to the rest of the world through Middle East and Caribbean (Kumar and Navaratnam, 2013). A. indica possesses contraceptive properties and this activity has been the object of several studies in the past years (Bansal et al. 2010;Chattopadhyay, 1993;Chaube et al., 2006Chaube et al., , 2014Sitasiwi et al. 2018). ...
Article
Background Azadirachta indica A. Juss. is an Indian medicinal plant with innumerable pharmacological properties. Studies have proven that the phytochemicals from neem possess remarkable contraceptive abilities with limited knowledge on its mechanism of action. Purpose The present review aims to summarize the efficiency of A. indica treatment as a contraceptive. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Published scientific articles on antifertility, antispermatogenic, antiovulation, hormone altering, contraceptive, and abortifacient activities of A. indica were collected from reputed Journals from 1980 to 2020 using electronic databases. Specific keywords search was completed to collect numerous articles with unique experiment design and significant results. This was followed by the selection of the requisite articles based on the criteria designed by the authors. Data extraction was based on the common research elements included in the articles. Results A total of 27 studies were considered for reviewing, which included key pharmacological investigations. In the beginning, authors evaluated a number of publications on the contraceptive properties of A. indica, in which it was revealed that most of the publications were made between 1995 and 1999. All the collected articles were categorised and reviewed as antifertility, antispermatogenic, antiovulation, hormone altering, contraceptive, and abortifacient. Authors also assessed studies based on the plant parts used for pharmacological evaluations including leaves, seeds, stem-bark, and flowers. The article was primarily divided into different sections based on the previous works of authors on phytochemistry and pharmacological review articles. Conclusion Although A. indica is not reported with the complete alleviation of reproductive system in both male and female animal models, studies have proven its efficacy as a contraceptive. Extracts and phytochemicals from neem neither reduced the libido nor retarded the growth of secondary sexual characters, thus indicating only a temporary and reversible contraceptive activity. However, there is a dearth for clinical studies to prove the efficacy of A. indica as a herbal contraceptive.
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Neem (Azadirachta indica) is an important member of the Meliaceae family and its role as health-promoting effect is attributed to it is rich source of phytoconstituents. It has been widely used in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Unani medicines worldwide particularly in Indian Subcontinent in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Earlier finding confirmed that neem and its phtoconstituents play a key role to scavenge free radical generation and prevention of disease pathogenesis. It is considered as safe medicinal plants and regulates the various biological processes without any adverse effect. In this current review, the role of Azadirachta indica is summarized in the prevention and treatment of diseases via the regulation of various physiological and biological pathways.
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NIM-76, the odorous and volatile fraction of neem oil, was investigated for its antifertility activity in vivo in rats, rabbits and rhesus monkeys. The drug is effective when applied before coitus but not so when applied during post-coital stages. It, therefore, appears to act mainly by its spermicidal effect. No alteration in the estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) values was observed after the application of the drug in monkeys.
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Ethanolic leaf extracts of different local folklore plants (Azadirachta indica, Beaumontia grandiflora, Chordia dichotoma, Casiarea tomentosa, Diospyros embryopteris, Milletia auriculata and Melia azedarach) were investigated for antifertility effects on male rats in oral doses of 100 mg/kg daily for 21 days. Though, none of these extracts interfered with spermatogenesis, anti-implantational and abortifacient effects were observed in females mated by the males fed with leaf extracts of A. indica and C. dichotoma. Leaf extract of B. grandiflora besides having anti-implantational and abortifacient effects, had luteolytic effects. Abolition of libido in 100% males by leaf extracts of D. embryopteris and M. azedarach and in 60% of males by extract of C. tomentosa preclude these plants for antifertility use.
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Neem oil, a natural product of Azadirachta indica was investigated for various hormonal properties in relation to its post-coital contraceptive action. At subcutaneous doses up to 0.3 ml/rat, neem oil did not possess any estrogenic, anti-estrogenic or progestational activity and appeared not to interfere with the action of progesterone. These findings were confirmed using the histo-architecture of the uterus of treated rats. Since the post-coital contraceptive effect of neem oil seems to be non-hormonal, neem oil would be expected to elicit less side effects than the steroidal contraceptives.
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An alternate approach to vasectomy for long-term male contraception following a single intra-vas application of a traditional plant (Azadirachta indica) product having immunomodulatory properties is described. Male Wistar rats of proven fertility were given a single dose (50 microliters) of neem oil in the lumen of the vas deferens on each side; control animals received the same volume of peanut oil. Animals were put on continuous mating 4 weeks after the treatment, with females of proven fertility. While the control animals impregnated the female partners, all males treated with neem oil remained infertile throughout the 8 months of observation period. Epididymal and vas histology were normal without any inflammatory changes or obstruction. The intra-vas administration of neem oil resulted in a block of spermatogenesis without affecting testosterone production; the seminiferous tubules, although reduced in diameter, appeared normal and contained mostly early spermatogenic cells. No anti-sperm antibody could be detected in the serum. Unilateral administration of neem oil in the vas resulted in a significant reduction of testicular size and spermatogenic block only on the side of application; the draining lymph node cells of the treated side also showed enhanced proliferative response to in vitro mitogen challenge. These results indicate that the testicular effects following intra-vas application of neem oil may possibly be mediated by a local immune mechanism.
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Histological and biochemical changes in the testis of rats treated with the leaf powder of A. indica are reported. The pattern of recovery is also studied at 8, 16 and 24 day after withdrawal of the treatment. In the treated rats, a general reduction in the diameters of seminiferous tubule, nuclei of the germinal elements and a mass atrophy of the spermatogenic elements has been observed. The Leydig cells are found to be atrophic. Biochemically, a decrease in the protein content and the activity of acid phosphatase and an increase in the total free sugar, glycogen, cholesterol contents and the activities of alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase have been observed. A gradual recovery is observed in both the histological and biochemical parameters after 8.16 and 24 day of cessation of the treatment. The result suggest a possible reversible antiandrogenic property of the leaves of A. indica in male albino rats.
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The present study was carried out to evaluate the effective concentration of aqueous extract of old and tender Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves to immobilize and kill 100% human spermatozoa within 20 s. Sander-Cramer test was used to study the spermicidal activity of neem leaf extract. Under the test conditions, minimum effective spermicidal concentrations for tender and old leaf extracts were 2.91 +/- 0.669 mg/million sperm and 2.75 +/- 0.754 mg/million sperm, respectively. The effect of extracts on morphology and viability of sperm was also studied and no change was observed in morphology of head, mid-piece and tail and no viable sperm seen. The leaf extracts were found to be water soluble and carbohydrate in nature. The effect of different concentrations of extracts (old and tender) on percentage motility of the sperm was also studied. With an increase in concentration, there is a linear decrease in percentage motility, becoming zero at a 3-mg dose within 20 s.