Record ID No. |
2865 |
Author(s) |
Sharma M, Chauhan G., Kharkwal H., Pushpangadan P., Varma A. , 2010 |
Affiliation |
Amity Institute of Microbial Sciences, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125, Noida 201 301, India |
Title |
Herbal contraception - a call for education and research |
Source. Vol.(no):Page |
Medicinal Plants 2(1): 21-31p. |
Categories |
Mycorrhiza General |
Subjects |
Reviews |
Sub-subjects |
Miscellaneous |
Host |
Gloriosa superba L. (Liliaceae) |
Organism |
Priformospora indica, Sebacina vermifera, Rhizobacteria |
Country |
India, Asia |
Abstracts |
This Review article gives an awareness on status of herbal contraception by citing the studies done in past, present and future developments. The population explosion clearly explains that there is an urgent need for development of alternative contraceptive methods. With herbal contraception getting its acceptance in the form of microbicides, this field needs to be explored still further. The article also provides an overview of present day contraception methods used including surgical, pills, condoms, and suppositories/gels etc. Special interest is given to a novel plant Gloriosa superba L. (Liliaceae) an herbaceous plant possessing contraceptive properties. The active ingredient in this plant is Colchicine, which immobilizes the sperms and causes temporary reversible male sterility. Since there are not much contraception alternatives for men, advanced study on this plant may prove to be a boon for men to share the burden of family planning. Colchicine has abortifacient properties, which can also be exploited. It is also emphasized that since plants with medicinal properties have a history of extinction due to over utilization there is immense need for enhancement of their biomass and active ingredient. Therefore, the plants can be interacted with symbiotic mycorrhizal fungus like Priformospora indica, Sebacina vermifera and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria for their biomass and secondary metabolite enhancement. |