Abstract

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF NOVEL FORMULATION OF TRIGONELLA FOENUM – GRAECUM

Radha Sharma*, Leena Vaidya, Suman Jai

Abstract

In India from the ancient times Trigonella foenum graecum seeds as spice are used to flavor and improve the taste of food recipes. They are also used in cosmetics and medicinal preparations. After almost two decades of scientific eclipse, vaginal spermicidal contraceptive methods are gaining interest and importance due to safety and acceptability reasons. At the same time, increasing concern about the side effects of oral contraceptives, IUDs and other methods. This has resulted a shift in attention of investigators and users from these methods to traditional methods of fertility regulation. For this reason a study was carried out on seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), to explore its contraceptive efficacy regarding to its spermicidal action. The Fenugreek extract showed immense potential as a spermicidal drug. An ideal contraceptive formulation can be developed for controlling the population explosion to some extent. Irritation studies showed that upto 2% concentration range the extracts are safe while earlier studies showed that the minimum concentration of fenugreek extract for spermicidal action is 0.3%. Further the irritation potential of fenugreek extract can be minimized by developing a formulation with suitable inert base so that a safe and effective vaginal contraceptive of herbal origin may be developed.

Keywords: Spermicidal, Vaginal contraceptive, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Intrauterine devices, Fenugreek.