Volatile fraction of neem oil as a spermicide.

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.