A review of Indian medicinal plants with interceptive activity
Kamboj, V.P.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 87: 336-355
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 2844661 Document Number: 575580
The review points out that 120 species [including many of horticultural, agricultural and forestry importance] belonging to 103 genera and 54 families have been mentioned as emmenagogues and/or abortifacients in ancient Indian literature. Of these, 48 species covering 43 genera and 32 families have been tested for anti-implantation activity and 13 for abortifacient activity. In addition, 65 species belonging to 59 genera and 37 families, not mentioned in the traditional literature, have also been tested for anti-implantation activity. Plants evincing activity include 21 mentioned in ancient texts and 19 not listed in this literature. This observation supports the necessity for random screening of all available plants for fertility regulation. The variation in the reports (from inactivity to 100% activity) of the same plant part by different investigators may to be due to inaccurate botanical identification and testing procedures. The review also suggests adoption of the systematic approach as advocated by the WHO and ICMR Task Forces for the evaluation of fertility-regulating plants.