Potential antifertility agents from plants: a comprehensive review.
Dinesh Kumar1, Ajay Kumar, Om Prakash
1Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136119, Harynana, India. dineshbarbola@yahoo.co.in
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|January 17, 2012
Summary
Traditional plant use for female fertility regulation is widespread globally. Further research is needed to identify novel compounds from these medicinal plants for modern applications.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Pharmacology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Traditional medicine extensively utilizes plants for fertility regulation across diverse cultures.
- This review synthesizes global ethnopharmacological data on medicinal flora for female fertility control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review traditional uses of medicinal plants for female fertility regulation worldwide.
- To classify identified antifertility agents and their phytochemical constituents.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a bibliographic investigation of classical texts and peer-reviewed literature from the past six decades.
- Included plants used for abortion, contraception, emmenagogue, and sterilization effects as antifertility agents.
- Classified isolated compounds based on their anti-implantation, abortifacient, or contraceptive activities.
Main Results:
- Documented 577 plant species from 122 families used for female fertility regulation.
- Identified 298 abortifacients (42%), 188 contraceptives (31%), 149 emmenagogues (24%), and 17 sterilizers.
- Fabaceae and Asteraceae were the most represented families; leaves, roots, and stems were commonly used plant parts.
Conclusions:
- Highlights the vast potential of ethnopharmacologically significant plants for novel antifertility drug discovery.
- Emphasizes the need for increased experimental studies to validate traditional uses and isolate active compounds.
- Calls for further research into the mechanisms of action of plant-derived antifertility agents.
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