I found the following medical abstract which says that neem oil acts as an effective spermicide:
Volatile fraction of neem oil as a spermicide.
Abstract
The volatile, odorous fraction of neem oil coded as NIM-76 obtained by steam distillation was investigated for in vitro spermicidal activity. The data showed that the minimum concentration which inhibited spermatozoal motility was 0.25 mg/ml for rat and 25 mg/ml for human spermatozoa. The effect of the drug on spermatozoal motility was found to be dose-dependent. The activity of this drug was not altered in the presence of vaginal or cervical mucus. Intra-vaginal application of NIM-76 in rabbits showed no irritation to the vaginal mucosa.
- PMID:
- 2257744
- [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
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I understand from Indian friends that neem oil is considered an effective contraceptive in India. In addition neem oil is known as a lubricant, and probably offers some protection from vaginal and sexually transmitted diseases. Information on neem contraception was included in ancient Ayurvedic medicine:
“In the first century B.C., Charaka, the Indian physician, gave a detailed method for using neem for contraception. Cotton soaked in neem oil was kept in the vagina for fifteen minutes before intercourse. This killed the sperm. ” – http://www.discoverneem.com/neem-oil-birth-control.html
It seems that, considering health hazards for women from many birth control methods, and the availability of neem in many parts of the world, we may be overlooking an important answer for women and families….. I have friends who use this method with confidence. And there seem to be a variety of studies online in the medical literature. I welcome any input or added information on this topic.
Marie
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