Formulation and Evaluation of Curcuma longa and Azadirachta indica Extracts as Vaginal Contraceptive

It was noticed that, no safe and reversible chemical agent is known that can adequately control fertility without producing toxic effect. Herbal drugs, the natural alternatives for chemical drugs are defined as the art and science of restoring a sufferer to health by the use of plant remedies. Herbs have long held an important place in the treatment of ailments and herbal medicines are still popular. 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 view of above discussion, it is planned to evaluate the extracts of two indigenous plants for spermicidal activity and to develop formulation as vaginal contraceptives.

In the present study the ethanolic extracts of Curcuma longa rhizomes (30μg/ml) and Azadirachta indica leaves (1mg/ml) were alone treated with human semen sample (containing 1million sperm/ml). Both the extract showed dose dependent spermicidal action. The ethanolic extracts of Curcuma longa and Azadirachta indica were alone formulated in two different vaginal gel using Carbapol (1%) and at dose of 10μl evaluated for contact spermicidal activity. Both the vaginal gel was further evaluated for viscosity, spreadability, and mucoadhesive test and stability studies.

The formulation showed significant reduction in sperm motility. Stability studies indicate that formulation is stable at temperature 25°C and 35°C.

It was therefore concluded that the vaginal gel containing Curcuma longa and vaginal gel containing Azadirachta indica extracts may have a wide potential to be used as a vaginal contraceptive agent.