Publication:

Evidence based approach to unani contraceptives: a review

Contraception is a process or technique for preventing pregnancy by means of medication, device or method that blocks or alters one or more of the processes of reproduction in such a way that sexual union can occur without impregnation. Promotion of family planning is central to the World Health Organization work on improving maternal health & is core to achieve the Millennium Development Goal. It is estimated that 90% of abortion related and 20% of pregnancy related morbidity and mortality, could be prevented by the use of effective contraception. Population explosion is the leading cause of poverty and pollution in developing countries which has detrimental effect on the life supporting system. Hence it is necessary to control the population by the use of contraceptives. Available contraceptives in conventional medicines have many adverse effects. Therefore, there is a need for research of newer, less expensive, less toxic, self-administered, completely reversible contraceptives. Much of these properties are observed in contraceptives as mentioned in classical Unani text. Unani physician has mentioned the various medicines & techniques of contraceptives. Scientific research has confirmed the efficacy of most of the herbal drugs like Ruta graveolans (Suddab), Juniperus communis (Abhal), Piper longum (Filfil daraz), Mentha arvensis (Pudina), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Punica granatum (Anar), Alium cepa (Piyaz) and Daucus carota (wild carrot) etc. Therefore, the aim of this article is to review the ancient concept of contraception in Unani System of Medicine in the light of available scientific research.