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WHO studies plants for contraceptive properties

Population (New York, N.Y.)

|November 1, 1978

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The World Health Organization is researching traditional plant-based contraceptives. Early studies show promise for three plants, including Mexican zoapatle, offering potential new fertility regulation options with fewer side effects.

Area of Science:

Ethnobotany
Pharmacology
Reproductive Health

Background:

Traditional medicine systems worldwide utilize indigenous plants for fertility regulation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a comprehensive review of these ethnobotanical resources.
Understanding the scientific basis of traditional contraceptive practices is crucial for modern healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify and evaluate indigenous plants with a history of traditional contraceptive use.
To screen these plants for potential efficacy and safety as novel contraceptive agents.
To accelerate the development of new fertility regulation methods based on natural products.

Main Methods:

Computerized literature search for ethnobotanical data on contraceptive plants.

Keywords:

Contraception Contraception Research Delivery Of Health Care Family Planning Health Health Services Ingredients And Chemicals Medicine Plants, Medicinal Who

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In vitro and in vivo screening of approximately 30 selected plant species.

Pharmacological evaluation of promising candidates, including uterotonic activity and side effect profiles.

Main Results:

Three plant species have demonstrated significant contraceptive potential.
Montanoa tomentosa (zoapatle) from Mexico shows promise as an orally active uterotonic agent with minimal side effects.
Plants from Paraguay affecting ovulation and Leonurus artemisia (Chinese motherwort) from Hong Kong are also under investigation.

Conclusions:

Ethnobotanical research is a viable strategy for discovering new contraceptive agents.
Montanoa tomentosa, Paraguayan ovulatory inhibitors, and Leonurus artemisia represent promising leads for novel fertility regulation.
WHO anticipates the development of several new contraceptive agents from these studies within 5-6 years.