Curcuma longa and Azadirachta indica:Herbals for Fertility Control

The increment of population raises many sufferings like lack of food, water, energy and raw material supply. India's population is growing fast, posing a threat to the country's sustained development. Most of the currently used methods of birth control are associated with certain risk and side effects. Herbal medicines are being used by about 80% of the world population primarily in the developing countries for primary health care. They have stood the test of time for their safety, efficacy, cultural acceptability and lesser side effects. In the present investigation the ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa rhizomes and Azadirachta indica leaves alone and in combination were evaluated for reversible antifertility activity in male wistar rats. Administration of extracts alone and in combination for four weeks significantly affects the sperm count, viability, motility and serum testosterone level. Whereas, combination of extracts showed most significant results in both the treatment and recovery groups. Therefore, it may be concluded that the combination of extract posses significant reversible antifertility activity.