Neem oil as a vaginal contraceptive.

Abstract

Indigenously available neem oil in its natural form was tested for its spermicidal activity (in vitro and in vivo). Undiluted neem oil was found to possess strong spermicidal action (within 30 seconds) against rhesus monkey and human spermatozoa in vitro. When used intravaginally in a dose of 20 mcl in rats and 1.0 ml in rhesus monkeys and human subjects before sexual intercourse the oil was found to be 100% effective in preventing pregnancy in the test subjects. The oil did not reveal any side effects as confirmed by histopathological studies. (authors)