Herbal Contraceptives (That Work)

Oil from the neem tree seems to be good at killing small creatures, but apparently does not harm humans. People in India have traditionally used the oil to kill nematodes in their soil, and they apply it to their bodies to ward off infections. Women in the state of Tamil Nadu also use cotton soaked in neem oil as a spermicide.

Now, scientists at India's Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences have recently licensed a neem contraceptive formula to be sold on the commercial market. Tests of the contraceptive show it an effective sperm killer in several species of animals, and a 3-month trial with 10 young married women resulted in no pregnancies. In the latter study, the neem formulation was used in cream or suppository form, and caused no vaginal irritation. Since neem oil also kills bacteria and fungi, this neem-based contraceptive may also reduce vaginal infections.

A large-scale trial involving 2000 women is planned, and if successful, Indian governmental approval of the neem contraceptive should follow within two years. One problem yet to be worked out is how to mask neem's unpleasant, sharp odor.

Another Indian herbal contraceptive called "Praneem" is currently under trial. It is formulated using neem and other plant extracts.  Based on information in: Science, 11-14-97